Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Name Kou Hawaiian Name Kou Scientific Name Cordia subcordata Pictures KMS office   Whole Plant Leaves Fruits Flowers Stem Location On Campus It is found near the faculty parking lot by the middle school office. It is the tree next to the yellow cement poles. Natural Habitat  Kou is found in all of the main islands except for Moloka‘i and Kaho‘olawe. Kou usually grows in low elevation, dry, and coastal areas. Cultural Information Kou is indigenous to Hawai‘i although it was previously thought to be Polynesian Introduced. People have seen it in many of the main Hawaiian islands. It is also grown in Asia and North America for medical and culinary uses. Plant Description Roots: Non-aggressive Resistant to salt water and to root knot nematodes(worm-like animals that are common in soil) Stem: Woody Pale gray in color Bark is flaky and sometimes stringy Grows straight up but is a little curved when fully grown Can also be about 9 m tall) Leaves: Green in color 8 cm long Petioles are 1-6 cm long Round at the base Simple leaf Used to make brown dye for kapa cloth. Flowers: 2 cm in diameter Mouth is 2-4 cm Orange in color Scentless Fruit: Dry and brown when mature Green in color Mature when it turns brown 2.5 cm long and round in shape Surface is smooth Edible Seeds: 4 seeds in the fruit About 1 cm long and narrow Edible Other Interesting Facts: Evergreen tree A shade tree of the Hawaiian people. Web Site Links Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai‘i Kou This site will show you many parts of the plant and a great description of the plant's parts. Hamakua Marsh If you need brief information on Kou, then check out this site. Kou This site provides even more information on Kou.   References Discovering Kauai's Real Lost World Ernst, Cheryl, Malamalama Editor. University of Hawaii. 29 April 2003 <http://www.hawaii.edu/magazine/LostWorld.html> Kou J & J Advertising & Kilauea WebWorks. 12 March 2003 <http://www.hawaii.gov/hfciforest/native/kou.html> Krauss, Beatrice H. Plants In Hawaiian Culture. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1993.  Lamb, Samuel H. Native Trees and Shrubs of The Hawaiian Islands. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Sunstone Press, 1981.  Wagner, Warren L., Herbst, Derral R., and Sohmer, S. H.Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai'i Revised Edition Volume 2. Honolulu: Bishop Museum Press, 1999. Return to Top

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