Plant – Kou

Kou

Description: Tree that can reach heights of 15- 50 feet. Produces showy flowers that are light orange to bright orange in color. The plant texture is coarse and the leaves are smooth and somewhat glossy with a medium green color.

ʻōlelo mua (Introduction):

Inoa(Name):

  • Scientific – Cordia subcordata
  • Hawaiian – Kou

ʻOhana: Part of Cordiaceae — Boraginaceae family

Kūlana olakino(Status): Indigenous

Lāʻau lapaʻau(Medicinal Use):

  • This plant was used to treat thrush and disease of young children.

Ways it was Used:

  • The wood was highly esteemed wood. They were planted as shade trees.
  • Was considered one of the best wood for carving.
  • It was used in dyes, fishing, food, household furnishings, and lei making

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