Acacia koa trees reach heights up to 35 m and are recognizable by their sickle-shaped phyllodes (flattened leaf steams) and flat seed pods containing transversely arranged seeds.  True leaves of the koa are bipinnately compound and are present at the tips of phyllodes during the sapling stage of growth.  Hawaiians made much use of koa's richly sheened wood for canoe building, making calabashes, surfboards, and weapons, and for use in spiritual ceremonies.  Acacia koa grows in dry, mesic, and wet forest and is found all on main Hawaiian islands except Ni`ihau and Kaho`olawe.