Acacia Koa Information And Care Where Do Acacia Koa Trees Grow

Acacia Koa Information Acacia koa is native to Hawaii and is found growing naturally on most of the islands. ... These trees grow naturally in the upland forests of Hawaii, and when grown in yards and gardens are prized for shade and screening. In its natural setting, an Acacia koa tree can grow to over 100 feet (30 m.)

Where does the koa tree grow?

There is more Koa growing in the Hawaiian Islands today compared to ten years ago. Koa wood is endemic to Hawaii. The species Acacia Koa grows only in Hawaii and no place else in the world. Sure, other species of the acacia family grow in other parts of the world.

Can koa trees grow in California?

Koa does well in Eureka (cool coastal) Calif. I have three 25 ' trees grown from seed. ... Koa is endemic to the Hawaian Islands. At present it is listed as a secure species; however, its habitat has and is being cleared and many trees destroyed.

How long does it take for a koa tree to mature?

Koa are fast growing trees at 5 feet per year for the first five years, and can reach impressive heights in several decades in upper elevation landscapes.

How much is a koa tree worth?

The price of koa varies as much as any species in the world. Plain koa, without a variance in color or figure can be bought for as little as $15 to $20/bf and, if quartersawn, $20 to $50/bf. Lumber with the premium full curl usually ranges between $80 and $120/bf. Musical-grade koa runs up to $150/bf.

Why is koa wood so expensive?

Why Is Koa Wood Special? ... Because koa only grows in Hawaii and many local laws are in place to protect it, its wood can only be harvested from dead trees on public lands. Its beauty and rarity make koa among the most expensive woods in the world at $150 per board-foot.

What is another name for acacia wood?

Acacia, commonly known as the wattles or acacias, is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the pea family Fabaceae.

Do termites eat koa wood?

Fortunately, termites do not prefer Koa. Chemical pre-treatment will work to prevent termites, but it may discolor the wood.

Is Koa wood toxic?

Yes, Koa wood is food safe. It is allergen and toxic free.

What is the oldest tree in Hawaii?

The Lahaina Banyan Tree, is the oldest Banyan tree in the Hawaiian Islands. It was planted by William Owen Smith in Lahaina's Courthouse square.

Are koa trees valuable?

Acacia koa trees are ecologically, economically, and culturally significant to the Hawaiian Islands. Koa wood is one of the most valuable species in the world and sale of koa products represents a majority of all the Hawaiian wood products sold by Hawaiian retailers.

How do you care for Koa wood?

Caring Specifically For Your Koa Wood Bowl or Heirloom

Dust periodically.
Apply a coat of beeswax once a year (more often if you live in a dry climate.)
If it is extremely dry, you can also re-oil it before applying an additional coat of beeswax.

What tree is called Hawaiian gold?

Acacia koa is a species of flowering tree in the family Fabaceae.

What is the most expensive wood in the world?

THE MOST EXPENSIVE WOOD IN THE WORLD

Grenadil, African Blackwood. This wood is one of the most expensive on the planet. ...
Agar Wood. Agar wood is a valuable plant found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia. ...
Black wood (Ebony) ...
Sandalwood. ...
Amaranth, Purple Heart. ...
Dalbergia. ...
Bubinga. ...
Bocote, Cordia (Bocote, Cordia)

How can you tell real Koa wood?

Color/Appearance: Color can be highly variable, but tends to be medium golden or reddish brown, similar to Mahogany. There are usually contrasting bands of color in the growth rings, and it is not uncommon to see boards with ribbon-like streaks of color.

Is KOA a good wood for guitars?

Koa. A dense hardwood that, when used for guitar tops, produces solid tone, particularly at the high end, with pronounced midrange-y quality. Used for back and sides, koa's tonality resembles mahogany. Shop all Fender acoustic guitars here.

Why is mahogany illegal?

Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

What does koa wood symbolize?

Koa Wood is a Symbol of Strength

It was used to construct canoes, swords, and hand weapons of all kinds. ... The combination of symbolic strength (of Koa) and its substantive hardiness creates a Koa wood ring that both reflects and embodies vigor.

What type of wood is KOA?

Koa is a hardwood and has high crush resistance and shock absorbance. It is often compared to walnut, however, it weighs about 25% more and its interlocking grain makes for an exceptional figure. It's thin, light-colored sapwood surrounds the hardwood that woodworkers describe as lustrous, swirled marble.

What is special about acacia wood?

Acacia's durability means it isn't scratched easily, too, while its water-resistant properties means it won't warp readily and is highly resistant to fungus. Like many types of wood, acacia is naturally antibacterial, and is therefore safe to use for preparing or serving food.

Is acacia wood waterproof?

When properly treated with a weather-proof finish, acacia patio furniture can survive the elements for years or even decades. ... And when patio season is over, store them indoors under a waterproof cover to keep them protected until next spring.

What blocks go with acacia wood?

It looks pretty nice. It goes very well with sandstone I find. I've found that dark oak/dark oak planks are really good with it and, if you want to be really expensive with it, obsidian makes a great trim. If you do it right stone, stone bricks, and stone slabs work well as well.