Koa

The Koa (Acacia koa; Family Fabaceae) is a large tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Its trunk was used by the ancient Hawaiians to build dugout canoes.

Related Topics:
Fabaceae - Endemic - Hawaiian Islands - Hawaiians

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The tree is somewhat unusual (typical mostly of Australian and Pacific islands acacias) in that the leaves produced early in the growth of the plant are compound leaves typical of the pea family. However, the adult koa has sickle-shaped "leaves" that are not at all compound. These are phyllodes, blades that develop as an expansion of the leaf petiole.

Related Topics:
Australia - Pacific - Acacias

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The koa population has suffered from grazing and logging, and the reddish lumber is currently very valuable for use in furniture, flooring, paneling, and other finishings in construction.

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