Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Koa Haole. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

Shrubby bush or tree often only to 6-8ft but occasionally to 30-60ft. The tree has a huge wealth of uses, and is an extremely fast-grower, but care should be taken in some regions to control growth as the seeds are easily dispersed by birds and grazing cattle.

Hardiness

Only mildly hardy, probably not surviving temperatures lower than 32F.

Growing Environment

Grows very well in arid tropical climates and can become a pest species in such climates. Grows best under full sun, needs little water or care once established. Very fast grower. Grows in practically any soil type, doesn't mind salt spray.

Propagation

By seed, upon which seedlings can take less than 12 months to come into bearing.

Uses

Young pods are cooked and eaten as vegetables. Seeds can be used as a substitute for coffee, and when cooked can be eaten like popcorn. Commonly used in tropical regions as cattle fodder. Larger growing trees are used to shade coffee and cacao plantations. Hard seeds are incorporated into jewelery. Historically, the bark was used to treat stomach pain, and as a contraceptive.

Native Range

Native to Central America but has naturalized in many tropical regions.

Related Species

Fabaceae
	Acacia caven Espinillo		Acacia farnesiana Sweet Acacia
	Acacia koa Koa		Acacia podalyriifolia Pearl Acacia
	Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses		Bauhinia forficata Brazilian Orchid Tree
	Bauhinia variegata Orchid Tree		Caesalpinia echinata Brazilwood
	Caesalpinia gilliesii Desert Bird of Paradise		Cassia closiana Golden Cassia
	Cassia excelsa Crown of Gold Tree		Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree
	Cassia grandis Coral Shower Tree		Cassia x nealiae (Cassia fistula x javanica) Rainbow Shower Tree
	Ceratonia siliqua Carob		Delonix regia Royal Poinciana
	Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur Coral Tree		Indigofera australis Indigo
	Inga cinnamomea Inga Acu		Inga edulis Ice Cream Bean
	Inga feuillei Pacay		Inga laurina White Inga
	Inga marginata Guabilla		Inga sessilis Monkey Inga
	Inga vulpina Pink Flowered Inga		Inocarpus fagifer Polynesian Chestnut
	Hyacinth Bean Lablab purpurea		Azure Blue Sweet Pea Lathyrus sativus
	Leucaena leucocephala Koa Haole		Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant
	Parkia javanica Sataw		Scarlet Runner Bean Phaseolus coccineus
	Pithecellobium dulce Manila Tamarind		Pithecellobium flexicaule Texas Ebony
	Pongamia pinnata Pongam		Samanea saman Monkey Pod
	Senna alata Candle Bush		Senna multiglandulosa Buttercup Bush
	Senna surattensis Singapore Shower		Strongylodon macrobotrys Jade Vine
	Tamarindus indica Tamarind		Vicia faba Fava Bean