Acacia confusa aka Formosan Koa

Acacia confusa is an evergreen tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range includes Taiwan, western Malesia and the Philippines. It grows on slopes and in dry forests. These habitats reach about 2,625 feet [800 metres] above sea level. People grow it in southern China and southeast Asia. They also gather wood from wild trees for local use.

The listed garden height is about 33 feet [10 metres]. A broader height range is 20–49 feet [6–15 metres]. Very old trunks may reach 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Most trunks remain smaller than this. Seedlings bear true leaves, but mature plants bear phyllodes instead. These flat, leaf-like stems take the place of leaves. The tree keeps its foliage through the year. Bees pollinate its flowers. Its fruit forms pods that open to release seeds.

Give this tree a sunny site with soil that drains well. It prefers acid soil but grows across many soil conditions. It can grow on shallow ground and in poor soil. Its preferred climate has summer rain or rain throughout the year. Annual rainfall in that range is about 51–118 inches. Dry seasons should last no more than five months. The source reports a lowest tolerated temperature of 32°F [0°C]. This limit does not establish a full winter hardiness range.

People plant it for shade, coastal shelter and ornamental use. Its wood serves many purposes, from carving to furniture and boats. Other uses include tool handles, railway sleepers and household woodware. People also burn the wood as fuel. It has shown promise as a source of pulp. The tree supplies tannins, and essential oils can come from it. Growers raise it for both wood and tannins.

Its ability to spread can create problems outside its native range. Trees have escaped cultivation and become established in the wild. Some regions regard the species as invasive. It grows in both dry and moderately moist habitats. It often sends up new growth after fire. Dense stands can form in pastures and disturbed forest sites. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known edible uses. The supplied evidence does not establish species-specific toxicity or medicinal uses. It also gives no species-specific pest or disease details.