Koa is a species of acacia that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning it is found no where else in the world. It is one of the fastest growing Hawaiian plants and can grow 20-30ft in 5 years. Koa goes through a type of maturation, where initially it grows compound leaves, like a pea plant. Around 6-9 months the leaves change into single half moon shape and are no longer leaves but an extension of petiole, which is the stem that attaches the leaf to the plant.

Koa is a popular building wood and was used traditionally by Hawaiians to construct canoes and early surfboards. It is considered one of the best woods for stringed instruments. Koa longevity is highly affected by overlogging and grazing animals. It is utilized by many native insects, including the Hawaiian blue butterfly, Kamehameha butterfly, and the koa bug.

Koa can easily overheat and will struggle to revive itself afterwards. But of course, this plant prefers direct sun. Try to place the plant in a spot that gets half and half and observe to see how it reacts. Koa requires soil with good drainage and should be watered consistently.