[2][3] The abundance of the kāmahi (P. racemosa) across New Zealand has led to it long being described as the common tree in the country.

[6][7] A very common tree throughout New Zealand, kāmahi is evergreen that grows up to 25 m in height (rarely higher) with a trunk up to 24 cm (Wardle & MacRae, 1966).

The flowers form in erect spikes like clusters and are highly attractive to a range of insects and birds.

[8][9] Kāmahi is native to New Zealand although the genus Pterophylla has a more widespread distribution in Madagascar, Malesia, and the southwest Pacific.

Kāmahi often starts life as a dense shrub; however, given the space, it can develop into a hulking tree that grows erratically.

[12] The white candle-like flowers that bloom in spring open to release fine seeds to be blown in the wind.

It is found on hillslopes, roadside cuttings and can even start out life perched on the trunks of tree ferns.

It was historically used by some Māori to dye cloaks and mats and was considered to have a preservative effect on fishing lines.

"Bark from west side of the tree, from which the outer rind has been scraped off, is steeped in hot water and the decoction taken internally as an aperient in cases of abdominal and thoracic pain".