Koa
ExplorePlants
Koa
acacia koa
The Koa (Acacia koa) is a magnificent, fast-growing canopy tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, representing one of the most culturally and ecologically significant plants in the archipelago. Renowned for its beautiful, highly figured wood which ranges from rich gold to deep chocolate brown, Koa was historically used by Native Hawaiians to build oceanic voyaging canoes, surfboards, and weapons. Today, it remains highly prized by woodworkers globally. As a keystone species of Hawaii's wet and mesic forests, the Koa tree provides crucial habitat for a vast array of endemic birds, insects, and understory plants. It plays an essential role in forest hydrology and nitrogen fixation, nurturing the delicate volcanic soils of its island home.
Habitat: Found in wet to mesic montane forests across the major Hawaiian islands, typically at elevations between 300 and 2,000 meters.
Appearance
Koa trees are large, broad-canopied trees that can reach heights up to 30 meters. They are easily recognized by their distinctive crescent-shaped "leaves," which are actually modified leaf stems called phyllodes. True bipinnately compound leaves are present only on young seedlings or shaded lower branches. The bark is light gray, rough, and deeply fissured in older specimens. During the blooming season, the tree produces pale yellow, spherical flower heads resembling tiny powder puffs, which are followed by flat, brown seed pods measuring 7 to 15 centimeters long.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusAcacia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Koa trees do not have true leaves; instead, they photosynthesize using crescent-shaped, flattened leaf stems called phyllodes.
Koa is the second most common tree in Hawaii's forests, preceded only by the Ohia Lehua.
The word 'Koa' means 'brave, bold, fearless, or warrior' in the Hawaiian language, reflecting the strength and resilience of its wood.
Special abilities
Ability
Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis
Koa hosts Bradyrhizobium bacteria in its root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form that enriches poor volcanic soils.
Ability
Phyllode Metamorphosis
As it matures, Koa replaces its water-thirsty true leaves with drought-resistant, crescent-shaped phyllodes that reduce water loss.
Ability
Wildfire Regeneration
Koa seeds possess a hard, durable coat that can remain dormant in the soil for decades, germinating rapidly after being scarified by forest fires.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1500-3000 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-150 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, Koa generates its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil nutrients.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
I'iwi
Drepanis coccinea
Feeds on the nectar of Koa flowers and nests in its canopy.
eaten by
Koa Bug
Coleotichus blackburniae
A native iridescent insect that feeds on the seeds and pods of the Koa tree.
host plant
Akiapolaau
Hemignathus wilsoni
An endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper that uses its specialized beak to forage for insects under the bark of Koa trees.
Traits
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Also known as
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Koa?
The easiest way to identify Koa is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Koa?
1500-3000 cm
How long does Koa live?
50-150 years
What does Koa eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, Koa generates its own energy through photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and soil nutrients.
Where is Koa usually found?
Found in wet to mesic montane forests across the major Hawaiian islands, typically at elevations between 300 and 2,000 meters.
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