Koa
Genus: Acacia koa
Indigenous vs Endemic
Information!
Uses :
Koa wood is used to construct houses, canoes, spears, tools, paddles, kahili handles, calabashes, ceremonial poles, religious ceremonies, and short surfboards. The bark was used to for red dye for kapa. The bark was also applied to various injuries such as abscesses, sores, ulcers, scars, sores, syphilis, leprosy, bruises, and broken bones. The leaves were used to make leis. They were also used medicinally. They were placed under a lauhala mat for those who were sick for a long time.
Facts :
Koa trees can grow up to 33 meters tall (or 115 feet.) Koa trees are considered to be one of the most expensive woods in the world, as well as the one of the most valuable trees in Hawai‘i. Koa translates to “brave, bold, fearless” as well as “warrior, and fighter.”