Kou Tree – Cordia subcordata

Image Source: Gil Hampshire (Wiki Commons)

• Came from East Africa.
• Brought over to Hawaii by Polynesian settlers.
• Values for its superbly grained wood.
• The wood is useful as dishes as here is no flavor added to contents inside these wooden dishes.
• Heat and salt tolerant.
• The orange flowers are used to make leis.
• Is important in Tuamotus and Tonga cultures.
• Wood is very difficult to obtain.

    Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

• Height can reach up to 50 ft. tall.
• Open, wide spreading canopy.
• Thrives in poor soils.

    Source: (Rauch, 2000)

• Odorless flowers.
• Leaves were a source of a light dye used for kappa.

    Source: (Wageman, 2008)