Kou

Description:

This flower, was on the ground underneath the tree of this flower, but sadly I didn't take pictures of the tree. The tree of this flower was growing at lower elevation, where they usually grow, at Diamond Head State Monument. The seeds of the tree, are edible, but flavorless.

Habitat:

Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, Hawaii. (lower elevation)

Notes:

Although a few Kou already existed here, the ancient Polynesians brought the seeds to Hawaii in their canoes. The soft, durable, attractive, banded, fine-grained wood was used to make food bowls, dishes, and utensils because it would not flavor the food like some other types of wood. The old leaves were used to make brown dye. The colorful flowers were used in leis even though they are not fragrant. The seeds were eaten when other foods were scarce.