I'm interested in growing koa trees as bonsai. Ideally I would get seedlings or worst case, seeds, and grow them for a while, since I imagine getting larger stock or pre-bonsai is difficult. Does anyone know of any resources?
Koa trees as bonsai
- Thread starter Forestcat
- Start date
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
You will probably have to grow it from seeds if you are not living in Hawaii. Good thing is that it is a fast grower. A bit of caution though: you will have to grow a fairly large bonsai to make it believable. When young the tree has bipinnate compound leaves that looks like branches and make the young tree looks believable as bonsai. However, as the tree matures, those compound leaves will be replaced by 2-9" long phyllodes that are hard to reduce below 2", making it difficult for a small bonsai to look right.
waydeo
Mame
I thought this thread was about KOA campgrounds. I have been educated that they are trees also. I've thought about trying a mimosa since they are everywhere around my house. Just not sure about reducing the leaf fronds enough.
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
You can only reduce the leaf frond so much. That's why all the compound leaf species are difficult. For example, my Delonix regia has to be quite large to accommodate the 8 to 14" leaves. Shohin is out of the question and even Kifu size is difficult.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
This tree is an acacia. It's tropical (hardy in zones 9-11--primarily in Hawaii). It's a fascinating species with tremendous cultural importance in Hawaii.
You may have to protect younger seedlings and saplings from frosts in your area.
selectree.calpoly.edu
You may have to protect younger seedlings and saplings from frosts in your area.
SelecTree: A Tree Selection Guide
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
Yep. As a wood worker, I have worked with Koa lumber in the past. Beautiful stuff.
Former guitar maker myself. Never got around to actually using flamed Koa.
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
Care to give lesson for making guitar? I want to make classical guitars when I retire.
Last edited:
I love Hawaii and have several carved (turned) bowls of it made by a Hawaiian artisan woodworker. This was my introduction to it. I agree, when you find a figured piece, it is absolutely spectacular. Because trees are becoming so rare, woodworkers have either turned to other woods or use naturally fallen logs for their work. I wanted to have a little piece of Hawaii in my yard, so am hoping I can baby it through the SF Bay area's winters.
I'd be more than glad to help with electric guitars. Never made an acoustic. Electric is more carving wood - router, band saw, files etc.. Acoustic is more bending thinner slats and attaching them to a frame - heating iron and glue.
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
I'm pretty confident I can make electric guitars. The intricacies of the sound box is what I really need a lesson on. I am thinking about making a few for beginner practice in the next few years. Then I'll find a class or two with a master luthier.
waydeo
Mame
I wonder how a Koa would do in a heated garage during the winter. I love acacia.
I saw some at a nursery on Oahu recently. Yes, the leaves seem similar to a dawn redwood and may be difficult to reduce. It may have to be a 4' bonsai.
