Koa

Acacia koa

Also known as: Koaoha

Marshman at English Wikipedia

Taxonomy

Division:: Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:: Fabaceae
Genus:: Acacia
Species:: Acacia koa

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:: Perennial
Growth Habit:: Tree
Height:: More than 40 ft
Light Requirements:: Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:: Medium
Bloom Months:: jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Bloom Colors:: Yellow

Native Range

United States: Hawaii

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:: ★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Adenoneura conspicua, Adenoneura rufipennis, 🛑Aphthonetus kauaiensis (Aphthonetus kauaiensis), banana moth (Opogona omoscopa), ⚠️Cydia conspicua (Cydia conspicua), Cydia rufipennis, Cydia walsinghamii, dot-lined angle (Macaria abydata), Erechthias minuscula, Hawaiian sphinx moth (Hyles calida), Hyposmocoma alliterata, Hyposmocoma auripennis, Hyposmocoma bitincta, Hyposmocoma blackburnii, Hyposmocoma candidella, Hyposmocoma chilonella, Hyposmocoma corvina, Hyposmocoma cryptogamiella, Hyposmocoma jugifera, Hyposmocoma palmifera, Hyposmocoma semiusta, Hyposmocoma unicolor, Hyposmocoma vicina, koa seedworm (Cryptophlebia illepida), Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana), Scotorythra caryopis, 🛑Scotorythra corticea (Scotorythra corticea), Scotorythra metacrossa, 🛑Scotorythra paludicola (Scotorythra paludicola), Scotorythra rara, Thyrocopa abusa, Thyrocopa argentea, Thyrocopa indecora, Uresiphita polygonalis, 🛑Wilson's sphinx moth (Hyles wilsoni), Vaga blackburni

Reported Fauna Sightings

Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Moths: (Mesophleps palpigera)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:: fertile, well-drained volcanic soil
pH:: 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:: excellent drainage required
Moisture:: dry to moderate
Notes:: Common in upland forests of Hawaii

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Scarification is required. This can be done mechanically or with hot water treatment (195°F, 90°C) in a volume ratio of at least 5 parts water to one part seed for 1-3 minutes. Alternatively, sulfuric acid can be used, soaking time 10-60 minutes depending on seed size. In all cases, scarified seeds are soaked overnight to allow water to penetrate into the seed.

Establishment: Koa is native to the Hawaiian Islands. Found on all six major Hawaiian Islands: Hawaii, Molokai, Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauai. The largest and most thriving koa trees are found between 3000 and 6000 feet (915 and 1830 meters) elevation. Introduced pests and diseases limit their presence below 2000 feet. Genetic quality is a crucial aspect of koa performance and yield, and source must be carefully considered and matched for the outplanting site before seeds are collected.

Source: npn.rngr.net