Koa (Acacia koa) Endemic

 

Description:

          The koa grows up to 35m (115 ft) tall.   The trunk is rough and thick on

 mature trees. The fruit is a long flat Pod containing ellipsoid seeds; it is ripe

 when it turns brown and rattles when Shaken.

 

Where is it Located:

The koa occurs on most of the main islands of Hawaiian dry through wet

 forest at 60-2,060 m (200-6,800 ft) elevation. Koa forests are important

 habitat for rare birds.

 

Cultural Uses:

    Hawaiians used the hearty, rich wood of Koa for war canoes, Paddles and

 surfboards.