A young Koa tree showing compound leaves and phyllodes
The Koa (Acacia koa; Family Fabaceae) is a large tree endemic to the 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.
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.
Upper branches of a Koa tree, showing the bark, sickle_shaped phyllodes greenish rounded flower heads, and seed pods
External links
Photos of Acacia koa (http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/acacia-koa-thumbnails.htm) at Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk Project (HEAR)
The Koa (Acaciakoa; Family Fabaceae) is a large tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, primarily Hawaii and Maui.
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.
Koa wood is also occasionally used for musical instruments, particularly the guitar.
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