Long, narrow board.
Near top cut, but we think it's cool.
Slight bow in board at narrowest end, but we still think this is very useable.
Most of bark is still attached, but don't count on it hanging around.
Nice size for some creative shelving in a tight space.
Botanical name, Cordia Subcordata. It is an indigenous tree found on all main Hawaiian islands. It had become incresingly rare after the 1880's - the early 1900's when it was heavily forested for foreign export. It was then decimated by Ethmia nigroapicella or Kou leafworm which can infest and heavily defoliate the tree enough to cause its death. A small - medium sized tree, prefers full sun and is drought and salt spray and wind tolerant. Bark is pale grey and textured. Leaves nearly heart shaped, smooth about 4 inches long. Leaves were used by early Hawaiians to make a brown dye used to decorate kapa (tapa) cloth or a red dye when mixed with ficus fruit. Flowers are orange colored and used to make flower lei. Fruit are nearly round, turn green to white and brown then black. Inside are usually four seeds that could be eaten during times of famine.
Wood is long lasting, little shrinkage. Has specific gravity of 0.45, durable, easily worked and termite reisistant. Kou was used to make items for ornamentation, but it was and continues to be prized to make food storage, prep and serving pieces because it does not impart a resinous bitter flavor to food.
