Cordia subcordata

Other names for the species include kanawa, tou, mareer, manjak, snottygobbles, glueberry, narrow-leafed bird lime tree, In Java and Madura, it is known as kalimasada, purnamasada, or pramasada; Javanese folklore consider the tree to contain spiritual power.[5] In the Marshall Islands it is known as kono.[6] In Fiji, it is called nawanawa.[7]

This species has a very wide range from the east coast of Africa west throughout tropical Asia and Oceania, as far west as Hawaii. This distribution was achieved due to special characteristics of its fruit allowing for successful oceanic dispersal.[8] Prior to 2001, C. subcordata was considered to be a Polynesian introduction to Hawaii by many authorities, but subfossil evidence from Makauwahi Cave in Kauai indicates that it was an abundant species in Hawaiian lowland forests well before humans arrived, confirming its status as an indigenous species.[9]

C. subcordata or kou trees are found in coasts at elevations from sea level to 30 m (98 ft) that receive 1,000–4,000 mm (39–157 in) of annual rainfall. They prefer neutral to alkaline soils (pH of 6.1 to 7.4), such as those originating from basalt, limestone, clay, or sand. Allowable soil textures include sand, sandy loam, loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay, clay loam, and clay.[4] It can also grow in edges of rocky shores and mangrove swamps.[7]

A mature kou tree grows to 7–10 m (23–33 ft) at maturity, but may be as tall as 15 m (49 ft). It has ovate leaves that are 8–20 cm (3.1–7.9 in) and 5–13 cm (2.0–5.1 in) wide and short hairs on their upper surface.[4][10]^: 78

Flowers and fruit

Closeup of kou flower.

Blooming occurs throughout the year, but most kou flowers are produced in the spring.[11] Each kou flower is funnel or tube-shaped 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) long and 0.4–0.8 cm (0.16–0.31 in) in diameter made of orange petals and pale green sepals that form cymes or panicles.[4][10]^: 78

Kou trees produce fruit all year around. Their fruit are spherical 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long, brown, and woody when mature. Each fruit contains four or fewer seeds that are 10–13 mm (0.39–0.51 in) long. The fruit are buoyant and may be carried very far by ocean currents.[4]

The seeds are edible and have been eaten during famine.[4]

The wood of the tree has a specific gravity of 0.45, is soft, durable, easily worked,[11] and resistant to termites. In ancient Hawaiʻi kou wood was used to make ʻumeke (bowls), utensils, and ʻumeke lāʻau (large calabashes) because it did not impart a foul taste to food. ʻUmeke lāʻau were 8–16 litres (2–4 gal) and used to store and ferment poi. Kou wood burns readily as firewood, and this led to the nickname of "Kerosene Tree" in Papua New Guinea.[4] The flowers were used to make lei, while a dye for kapa cloth and aho (fishing lines) was derived from the leaves.[4] Fijians obtain fibre to make baskets and garlands from its inner bark by soaking it in seawater.[7]

In the western Solomon Islands, in Vanuatu, on Waya Island, and in Tonga, it is used for carving. On New Ireland, its wood is always used for the ceremonial entrances to men's houses.[12]

Despite its very wide distribution, this species faces threats in parts of its range. During the mid-late 19th century, herbivory by the kou moth (Ethmia nigroapicella) nearly extirpated this species on the Hawaiian Islands.[13] It is thought to be highly endangered in Sri Lanka, only persisting at a small number of sites that are under pressure from development.[8] Logging of mature trees to create carvings for the tourism industry is also thought to be a threat throughout much of Papuasia. In addition, it may potentially be threatened by storms and sea level rise.[1]

• Domesticated plants and animals of Austronesia

Media related to Cordia subcordata at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Cordia subcordata at Wikispecies

• "Cordia subcordata". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.