Carmichaelia williamsii facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carmichaelia williamsii
(artist:Matilda Smith, 1914)
Conservation status
Invalid status (NZ TCS)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Carmichaelia
Species:	C. williamsii
Binomial name
Carmichaelia williamsii Kirk
Occurrence data from AVH

Carmichaelia williamsii, also known as William's broom or giant-flowered broom, is a special type of pea plant. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes many plants like beans and peas. This plant is only found on the North Island of New Zealand. In 2018, experts said it was "At Risk (relict)", meaning it's a rare plant that needs protection.

What Does It Look Like?

Carmichaelia williamsii is the only native broom plant in New Zealand that has yellow flowers. You can tell it apart from other broom plants by a few things:

• Its branches are light green, much wider, and flatter.
• Its flowers are larger and a pale yellow, often with purple or red lines.
• It usually blooms in late winter, from July to October, but you might see flowers at other times of the year too.

Who Named This Plant?

This plant was first officially described by a botanist named Thomas Kirk in 1880. He named it after Bishop William Williams, who collected the first known sample of the plant in 1879. Bishop Williams found it somewhere on the North Island.

Where Does It Live?

Carmichaelia williamsii is a plant that loves the coast. You can find it growing in:

• Open forests
• Areas with lots of bushes (scrub)
• On the sides of cliffs
• On slopes made of loose rocks (scree)