Koa trees in lower puna

[Daniel]

I have 5 koa trees that bought at the cherry blossum festival in waimea this year and they seem to be doing very well. I have had to change pots twice and they have nearly quadrupled in size. Is anyone else having (or had) success growing these beautiful trees in lower puna?

Daniel R Diamond

[Hotzcatz]

As long as they are growing and doing well, keep up the good work!

I have heard from tree folks that koa trees used to grow almost down to sea level but most of the lower level ones were easy to harvest when they needed timbers for train tracks. They didn't mention if it was a separate "low elevation" koa species or just regular koa trees growing at a lower level.

[Les C]

While there is only one Koa species, there seems to be a difference with localized types which is not a subspecific (race) difference. But for a while, State agencies were gathering koa seeds from different islands for their own seed bank, and they were mixing them together. This was discovered to be unwise. Apparently, there was a difference in how well a koa seed would do when planted on a different island. There might also be a difference between a low elevation type and a high elevation type. It's a relatively fast growing tree, although probably not fast enough from a resource crop POV.

[Mitzi M]

Limiting factors for koa include rainfall and soil depth. I think anywhere in Puna the rainfall is fine, but in lower Puna the soil depth will probably be an issue. While I've also been told that koa once grew (and can do well) down to almost sea level in other places, a botanist friend told me that they have never grown below around 1500'- 1800' on Kilauea because the "soil" is simply too new and not deep enough. That said, I also have 4 strapping young koa seedlings that I started from a fairly close source (a tree in Mountain View). My plan is to try them in big holes I fill with as much soil/compost/cinder as I can possibly find. I don't think they will grow to their full glorious size this way, but will probably stay smaller (and more manageable) in a backyard. They shoot up very fast in the first 5-7 years, growing 5 feet or more per year. Then they slow down some. At this point, they could be pruned conservatively to keep them smaller and compact. Don't plant them anywhere near foundations, roads, sidewalks or driveways, as their roots are notorious for heaving pavement. You might want to keep them away from structures as well, because if they do get tall, they can drop some mighty big branches. Koas are legumes and fix nitrogen in the soil, so you can have free fertilizer for what you plant underneath them. I think they are beautiful trees, and in the right spot, can be great additions to the landscape. It will be interesting to keep sharing info about the progress of lower Puna koas. Good luck!

Aloha,
Mitzi

Uluhe Design
Native Landscape Design
uluhedesign@yahoo.com

[Daniel]

I just read tonight that plans are being considered to allow logging once again in our mauna kea koa forest! Those huge trees should not even be considered for lumber. That forest is amazing and I will do what ever I can to make sure it stays that way. Please spread the word and make sure that the government knows that this is not welcome on our island. Koa wood is already plentiful and accessable.

Its one of our island's greatest treasures. If you have never seen this forest, you can pass through it on mana road.

Daniel R Diamond

[Mitzi M]

Wow - what a troubling thought. Where did you see this story? I'd be interested in following it as well.

Mitzi

[Daniel]

It was a letter to the editor in saturday's tribune. The author refered to an article that had been written a few days before. The only thing I've seen or heard about it, but enough to call my attention.

Daniel R Diamond

[Mitzi M]

Thanks! I found the article which was printed July 19th in the Tribune Herald.

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/arti...ogcomments

Apparently Mr. Dong of Koa Timber Inc. has been trying to get his permit since 2000. I found it interesting that the article also reports the company was fined for illegally logging 135 koa trees on conservation lands in 2004. Apparently county Planning Director, Chris Yuen and many other local environmental activists have been opposed to Koa Timber's ongoing attempt to get a permit. The article also names a Big Island businessman affiliated with the project. It's always good to keep up with what is happening in your neighborhood, yeah? If I understand correctly, the applicant will now have to provide a more thorough environmental impact statement, allow time for the state
to review the application, and then hold a public hearing in Hilo. While the thought of a permit being issued is really scary, I am glad to see that, at least at this point, the checks and balances of the review process seem to be working and the state seems to be taking it seriously.

[janeadams]

A quick comment on Koa at lower elevations... the main problem is that those trees will not produce nearly the quality of timber (ie, canoe wood!) that those grown in upper elevations will. We've grown koa in Maui at the 800' elevation, and saw it all over along the roadways. Here, we're at 1100', and the Koa grove we've planted is doing quite well.

If they are growing well, enjoy them... plant more! They are beautiful native trees and a welcome sight at any elevation.

If you want low land hardwoods that are native, consider the kamani, kou or milo. All grow well here.

Jane

[Les C]

quote:

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If they are growing well, enjoy them... plant more! They are beautiful native trees and a welcome sight at any elevation.

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Today, I saw one of the rarer Hawaiian forest birds, 'Akiapola'au, foraging in its favorite tree, Koa. This was at around 6000', above the current bird malaria/mosquito skirmish line. Don't forget the native birds: if there's no favorite trees, they most likely won't come.