Koa Acacia (Acacia koa)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Acacia koa is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 15 m (49ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Both pure and mixed forest stands, usually with native ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha). Also a co-dominant in several other major forest types including Koa/Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) Montane Dry Forest and Koa/Ohia (Sapindus soponaria) Forest. (Zone 10)