That mini-forest that is a mish-mash of different kinds of trees along Kaumualii Highway in Kipu, near the Kauai Humane Society building, is an open-air classroom. The Kipu Forestry Demonstration is an attempt to show professional foresters and others how
That mini-forest that is a mish-mash of different kinds of trees along Kaumualii Highway in Kipu, near the Kauai Humane Society building, is an open-air classroom.
The Kipu Forestry Demonstration is an attempt to show professional foresters and others how different types of high-value native and introduced hardwoods might do at around 400 feet above sea level.
On land leased from Grove Farm, the five acres of non-irrigated former sugar land has yielded promising results, said Bill Cowern, whose Hawaiian Mahogany Company, Inc. last year took over the project.
“Some species have done well, and are viable commercial trees,” he said.
The notable exception is the native koa (Acacia koa), which grows well in the cooler climate of Koke‘e State Park, but not as well at lower elevations.
Planting koa at lower elevations was a test to see if it could be done.
It looks like it can’t.
The test planting of koa is a “perfect example of what happens when you plant koa at a low elevation — 60 percent died, and more are dying,” Cowern said.
Those that are living, though, are in fair condition, he said.
Certain other trees, including some kamani, milo, mahogany, eucalyptus and maple, have 100 percent survival rates, or close to it, and are in very good or good shape.
