Plant – Koaia

Koaʻia

Description: Tree that can reach a height of seven to eight meters tall. With long thin pointy ended leaves. From the dry leeward areas of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Hawaiʻi. Is related to the Hawaiian koa but is smaller and adapts to dry conditions. Has an attractive round shape, grey and green leaves with small yellow flowers and brown seed pods.

ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):

Inoa(Name):

  • Scientific – Acacia Koaia
  • Hawaiian – Koai’a, Koa ʻohā, Koaiʻe

ʻOhana: Part of Fabaceae family

Kūlana olakino(Status): Endemic and At Risk/Rare

Fun Fact: Wood is very hard and dense. Back in the day, it was used for fence psts in pastures.

For more information: http://nativeplants.hawaii.edu/plant/view/Acacia_koaia/  

Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):

  • Can treat illnesses on the skin when the leaves and bark along with a couple other plants are grounded together and water is added and heated.
  • Patient can use steam for a steam bath.

Ways it was Used:

  • The wood is harder and used as spears and decorative paddles.
  • Wood can also be used for house timber and carved fish hooks and sometimes musical instruments.

Kino lau(Many Forms taken by Supernatural body): None

Nū hou Propagation(Propagation Information): Can grow from seeds.

Hoʻohana Hiʻohiʻona ʻāina (Utilize Landscape)Landscape Use: Suitable for the average landscape and should be grown more.

Mū (Pests): Should be watched to monitor tree health and insects. The trunks and stems maybe attacked by coffee twig borers.