Acacia koa

tree

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July 23, 2026

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The koa, scientifically known as Acacia koa, is a timber tree native to Hawaii. It is characterized by its crescent-shaped phyllodes and pale yellow flowers. The fine-grained red wood of the koa tree is highly valued, particularly for furniture making.1

The koa belongs to the Acacia genus, which comprises about 160 species of trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially Australia and Africa. These plants are recognized for their distinctive leaves, which can appear feathery or have suppressed leaflets where flattened leafstalks perform the function of leaves. Acacias are also known for their small, often fragrant flowers, typically yellow or white, and their fruit, which are legumes. Some acacia species are economically important for producing gum arabic, tannin, and valuable timber.2

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conservation
Secondary extinctions
…mainly on large koa (Acacia koa) trees (see acacia). Today, however, few koa forests remain, because the trees have been overharvested for their attractive wood. Yet another Hawaiian honeycreeper, a seed-eating species called the palila (Loxioides bailleui), is endangered because it depends almost exclusively on the seeds of one…
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…mainly on large koa (Acacia koa) trees (see acacia). Today, however, few koa forests remain, because the trees have been overharvested for their attractive wood. Yet another Hawaiian honeycreeper, a seed-eating species called the palila (Loxioides bailleui), is endangered because it depends almost exclusively on the seeds of one…
Read More

acacia
Major species
omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the Australian acacia species have been widely introduced elsewhere as cultivated small trees valued for their spectacular floral displays.
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omalophylla), also of Australia; and A. koa of Hawaii. Many of the Australian acacia species have been widely introduced elsewhere as cultivated small trees valued for their spectacular floral displays.
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