Coa

Names and distribution:

Botanically, koa belongs to the genus Acacia within the legume family. Koa is exclusively native to Hawaii while Australia Blackwood, another acacia species, is found on the Australian continent. There are still several dozen species of acacia in Africa and Asia, but they differ significantly in color and characteristics.

Wooden picture:

Heartwood golden brown to reddish brown with often distinctive markings. Wood with wavy growth is particularly sought after. Pores medium to coarse, scattered and not numerous, variable in size and density. storage cells are stored around the pores. Medullary rays arranged very finely and in tiers, radial growth zones differently distinct. Sometimes strong twisted growth over the entire trunk. Decorative to very decorative, whereby Koa is often placed above Australian Blackwood as the absolute “premium wood”.

Properties:

The average density at 12% wood moisture content is 0.55 ^t/m3 (+/- 0.56…0.75). The shrinkage is specified as 3.8% tangential and 3.4% radial, both low values! Koa shows good stamina. The wood dries easily and without cracks and can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Decorative and smooth surfaces can be created.

Use:

High-quality wood for furnishings, boat building, musical instruments, woodturning, veneers.