Family: Fabaceae

Koai’a is a cousin of the well-known koa tree. They are fast-growing hardwoods that are prized for their beauty. The two look very similar but the koai’a has a shorter stature and the seeds are arranged differently in the pods. Koai’a grows in low land while koa grows better at higher elevations.  Both koai’a and koa are dominant species in Hawaiʻi’s native forests.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Nitrogen fixer
• Privacy / screening
• Shade
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers