Formosan koa (Acacia confusa, Philipp. J. Sci., C 5: 27 (1910))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Merr.

Bibliography: Philipp. J. Sci., C 5: 27 (1910)

Year: 1910

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acacia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Taiwan, W. Malesia to Philippines

Description

Formosan koa, scientifically named Acacia confusa, is a member of the Fabaceae family. This resilient and versatile species is indigenous to the regions spanning from Taiwan to Western Malesia, extending further to the Philippines. The Formosan koa has been extensively described in the scientific literature, with one notable publication being in the Philippine Journal of Science, identified under the category C, volume 5, on page 27, in the year 1910 by the author Merr.

Endowed with a robust physiology, Acacia confusa thrives in a variety of environments, often being encountered in forests and open woodlands within its native distribution range. Not just a significant component of ecological systems, the Formosan koa also holds considerable economic and traditional value in the areas it grows.

In Taiwan, where it is abundantly found, this plant is often utilized for its durable timber, which is suitable for construction and crafting furniture. The tree’s bark and roots are also known for their tannins, traditionally harvested for their use in dyeing and medicinal applications.

In terms of its biological characteristics, the Formosan koa exhibits the typical traits of the Acacia genus, with compound leaves and small, yellow, globular inflorescences. Its seeds, contained within pods, are adapted for various forms of dispersal, thereby ensuring the propagation of the species across diverse landscapes.

The presence of Formosan koa in Western Malesia and the Philippines further underscores its adaptability and the ecological roles it fulfills in these regions. Whether contributing to soil stability, providing habitat for wildlife, or enhancing local biodiversity, Acacia confusa is a pivotal species within the Fabaceae family.

Researchers and botanists continue to study this plant to uncover more about its ecological functions, potential uses, and conservation needs, ensuring that the Formosan koa remains an integral part of the flora in these biodiverse regions.

Common Names

Eng: formosa acacia, formosan koa, small philippine acacia
En: Formosan koa, Small Philippine acacia, Small Philippine Wattle, Formosa acacia, Formosa koa, Ianangi, Mimosa
Zh: Tai wan xiang si, 台湾相思, 台灣相思, 相思樹
Fa: آکاکیا کنفوسا
Ru: Акация смешанная
Zh-tw: 相思樹
Zh-hant: 相思樹
Vi: Keo tương tư

Synonyms

• Acacia confusa var. inamuroi (Hayata)
• Racosperma confusum ((Merr.) Pedley)

Distribution

• Borneo (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Marilin Dominguez Mendoza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Georg Dean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Fharsya Febrildha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2020 by Georg Dean (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 24, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2022 by Tna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by Sosa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2022 by Tna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Moral Martinez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Tama Brightwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Fharsya Febrildha (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 27, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2978466)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:470039-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acacia confusa Merr.)

Specifications

Growth