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Kou

Cordia subcordata

Description:

Height: Up to 35 feet (10.7 m) tall, but usually less Description: The flowers are in small clusters that are partly hidden by the leaves. The individual flowers are funnel-shaped, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) across, and have 5 to 7 irregular, heavily wrinkled lobes. The flowers are followed by clusters of round to egg-shaped, point-tipped, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, green ripening to hard, dry, blackish brown fruits containing 4 white seeds. The leaves have rippled margins, prominent pale veins, and are large, green, leathery, smooth and shiny above, hairy on the veins below, alternate, and oval to egg-shaped. The trees are small, upright, and have a rounded, spreading crown and flaky, grooved, grayish bark.

Habitat:

Edge of wooded area near beach.

Notes:

For years it was believed that kou was carried here purposely by the ancient Hawaiians and was thus a "canoe" plant. Recent fossil evidence, found by archeologists in coralline sink holes on Kaua‘i show that it is also a native Hawaiian plant – it got here on its own. (Having valuable wood, medicinal, dye and lei making uses, the Hawaiians carried kou seeds here as well, on their great voyaging canoes). Kou is a perfect tree for leeward coastal areas like Waikiki. It can grow in pure sand and salt water, but it does better with fertile soil and fresh water. It has large green slightly drooping leaves. It forms a fairly dense rounded canopy. The leaves make great animal food and excellent mulch.

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joanbstanley
Spotted by
joanbstanley

Spotted on Oct 13, 2014
Submitted on Nov 15, 2014

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