In 1997, researchers on the island of Kaua'i uncovered the fossilized seeds of this beautiful tree, predating man's arrival there. Previously thought to have arrived here first with Polynesian settlers, the kou tree is now considered a Hawaiian native. It is also found throughout the Pacific, and as far away as East Africa, its buoyant seeds perhaps helping to make it an international traveler. It's loved wherever it grows, its broad canopy providing shade, its wood easily carved, and its magnificent orange flower pleasing to the eye. Kou's tolerance of wind and light salt spray makes it a good choice for windbreaks and coastal landscapes. It prefers the bright sun and warmth of the leeward coasts and lower elevation forests but does just fine in urban settings, making our parking lots and shopping malls a bit more colorful. It's a significant cultural tree, often planted near the home to provide relief from the sun. It's nearly heart-shaped leaves (species name: subcordata) are wonderfully glossy and were used to make dyes for kapa and for dying fishing lines to make them less visible, as well as used in combination with other plants in traditional medicines. The unscented flowers were strung into lei. Bowls, utensils, figurines and more were carved from kou. Throughout its range it is in decline due to over-harvesting for the wood, and because of the kou leaf worm (Ethmia nigroapicella), introduced here in the late 1800's, which can defoliate trees. So if you have a suitably-sized garden, have a heart, and consider planting this treasure trove of a tree.
1 Comment
angel
7/9/2014 07:40:09 pm
Where can I find these beautiful journal blossom???
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