what does a koa tree look like

How do I identify a koa tree?

You can identify Koa by examining three primary attributes; color, grain, and origin. Koa is generally reddish gold to dark brown in color. Its acute interlocking wood grain produces a highly curly or figured appearance. Its origin is always Hawaii.

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.

Is the koa tree native to Hawaii?

About this species: The Koa tree is endemic to Hawai'i and can be found on all the main islands except Kaho'olawe and Ni'ihau.

Why is koa wood so special?

Why Is Koa Wood Special? Koa is widely considered the finest wood in the world, with unmatched depth, color, and grain texture. 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.

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.

What is the most expensive wood?

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)

Is Koa wood rare?

Koa is an endemic tree found in Hawaii and is a rare commodity. Not only is it rare, but due to the rarity of Koa it is a prized wood that is sought after for furniture and Koa wood art. ... The wood that is harvested from the Koa tree is exceptionally beautiful.

How long does a koa tree live?

Koa is the largest native tree in the archipelago, reaching 50-80 ft in height. Mature trees, which can live for over 100 years, have a diameter often measuring more than 3.27 ft.

What tree is called Hawaiian gold?

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

What does the name Koa mean in Hawaiian?

[Hawaiian Dictionary(Hwn to Eng)] koa. 1. nvs. Brave, bold, fearless, valiant; bravery, courage.

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 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.

Why is KOA so expensive?

They're expensive because they can get it. The the buyers set the price for an industry. KOA does provide value with lots of extras. If you don't find their prices reasonable, you're welcome to not go there, and find other accommodations more to your liking.

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.

What is the rarest wood on earth?

Lignum Vitae

Considered as one of the rarest wood on earth, lignum vitae have exclusive features that you can't expect before. The most distinctive part is nothing else but its high oil content.

What kind 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.

How do you grow a koa tree?

The seeds should be planted in soil-less potting mix at a depth of about twice the diameter of the seed. Acacia koa seeds generally take 11 to 24 days to germinate; however, Lilleeng-Rosenberger reports some scarified seeds germinating in as few as 7 days.

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.

What is the heaviest wood on earth?

Wood products

The densest of all woods is Allocasuarina luehmannii. Krugiodendron typically has a higher density, among many other woods that vary by sample. Various other hardwoods may also be called lignum vitae and should not be confused with it.

What is the least expensive wood?

In North America, typically poplar, maple and oak are the most common hardwoods and therefore least expensive.

What is the cheapest wood?

Pine, spruce, and fir are cheap because the trees grow fast and straight. However, they are soft and relatively weak. Also because of the way they grow they often have a lot of knots, which can be attractive or not. Most structural lumber is called SPF for any of spruce, pine, and fir.