Hawaiian Name(s): kouScientific Name: Cordia subcordata
Vernacular Name: none
Family: Boraginaceae
Status: Polynesian introduction
Authority: Lam.
Description: Small trees 5-7 m tall.
Habitat Found on all main islands, sparringly naturalized at low elevation, in dry coastal areas (Wagner et al. 1990:392–4).
Medicines:
Non Medicinal Uses: Soft but durable wood made into bowls (‘umeke) & utensils, does not give off flavor (Krauss 1993:22), special ‘umeke mana ‘ai for first–born children made sometimes of kou that had been planted over afterbirths of grandparents (Krauss 1993:23); leaves for dye (Krauss 1993:65). Planted as shade trees near homes and the flowers used for lei (Handy et al. 1972:232), seeds eaten (Wagner et al. 1990:394).
Specific gravity of wood: 0.45
Famous Locations:
Mele:
`Ōlelo Noeau:
Dye Color and Parts: Warm brown (senescent leaves)
Kino lau:
Location on Bishop Museum Kalihi Campus: near Halekini
Propagation Information: Native Plants Hawaii.
Seed: Seed length approximately 30 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
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Microscopy
Cross Section: Field of view: 2.6 mm x 1.6 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
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Radial Section: Field of view: 2.6 mm x 1.6 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
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Tangential Section: Field of view: 2.6 mm x 1.6 mm. Photograph: H.Lennstrom.
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