Koaoha
Acacia koa
- Native to:
- Hawaii, United States
Wikimedia: Photo by Forest & Kim Starr
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Acacia
- Species:
- Acacia koa
- USDA Symbol:
- ACKO2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- pale yellow, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, native insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require hot water or mechanical scarification to break hard seed coat. Soak in near-boiling water for 5-10 minutes or nick seed coat before planting.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Mechanical scarification by nicking with a nail clippers on the side opposite the point of attachment to the pod. Alternatively, hot water treatment (195 degrees F, 90 degrees C) in a volume ratio of at least 5 parts water to one part seed for 1 minute can be used. After scarification, seeds are soaked for 12-24 hours, then spread out on paper towels and covered with a single layer of paper towel until germination.
Establishment: Koai`a is an endangered species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Seeds can be collected from the tree or from the ground at any time of year, though late summer tends to be the most abundant. The partnership with rhizobia bacteria is necessary for good nodulation and growth.
Source: npn.rngr.net