Kou (Cordia subcordata)

The Kou tree outside of the Hamilton Library.

The Kou tree is a great ornamental tree used for providing shade and screening. As you can see from the picture above this large tree creates an even larger shadow. It is used for landscaping along streets, public parks, housing areas and yards. In the Hawaiian culture this tree was known for it's great bark used for carving bowls, platters, and canoes. The flowers of the Kous were used to make leis. The seeds were even eaten when food was scarce. 

Picture taken from: www.flickr.com