Koai'a (Acacia koaia)

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

Closely related to koa (A. koa), and is sometimes considered to be the same species. Acacia koaia is usually distinguished by growing as a short (rarely more than 5 m or 16 ft), broad, gnarled tree; having the seeds longitudinally arranged in the pod; shorter, straighter phyllodes; and much denser wood. It has been devastated by cattle and other ungulates and is now rare.

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

Highly adapted to dry habitats, and is capable of forming dense forests in areas with very little rainfall. It was formerly found widely in dry forests on all of the main islands. (Zone 10)