Kopa'a

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Kopa'a Tree
Information
Other Names: Sugar tree
Found In: Bahija
Type: Tree


The Kopa'a is one of the variety of gorgeous flowering trees that is found in Bahija. It is fed on by the Giant Hummingbird as well as by the normal species of hummingbirds and avian life in the area.

Growth Cycle

The Kopa'a grows normally very slowly but the plant is rather hearty and can grow anywhere between the size of a sprawling bush to a large tree. Depending on the quality of the soil in which it is growing. The growth of the tree is varied as well in what shape it takes, sometimes the trees are wide and straight and other times twisted and the branches are more vine like than branch.

Though there is not a specific time for the majority of growth of the tree itself the flowers bloom in spring and remain all through the summer. Flowers are usually bright to medium red but orange-red, salmon, pink, yellow, or orange forms are also found. The flowers appear in clusters on the terminal ends of the branches. Masses of stamens extend from the flower and give the blossoms their characteristic pom-pon shape.

Regional Information

Though the tree of Kopa'a is used for a variety of different things, there are rituals by which the people act when it comes to the plant. The people of the region have a legend about the tree, that there were two lovers and one grew ill. Dying from the illness his mate called out to their goddess and asked for help. The goddess responded by turning the man into the tree and when his lover mourned for his loss the goddess turned her into the flower that rested on the tree's limbs.

Because of this legend the flowers are never taken off the tree, they are allowed to fall to the ground and then gathered by the people of the region. The legend tells the people that if they pluck the flowers from the tree there will be storms, rain will fall and bad weather will come because of the tears the lovers cry when they are parted.

Cultivation

These trees do the best on their own, when the tree is forced to grow in ground that it does not choose it doesn't flourish as well. When forced to grow the tree is more likely to grow poorly or die, when allowed to choose its own earth the plant grows with sweet blossoms.

Uses

The flower of this tree is commonly used as a sweetner for teas and food. The flower petals are also used as a dye, the colors are rich from these petals in differing shades. The wood of the tree is used for decoration, the shade of the wood without stain is just as beautiful as treated wood could be. Though the tree is treated carefully by the locals and when possible they do not allow the trees to be cut down in quantity, they are still used for smaller household items.