Learn about Koa wood
Milo (Thespesia populnea)
Milo is a member of the Mallow family, along with Hibiscus. It is indigenous to Hawaii, but is also found around the world in tropical climates. It was grown as a shade tree around houses and temples, as well as near the beach. Its flowers are yellow with purple centers that fade to pinkish later in the day. Once common in coastal areas, the wood is becoming rarer and more valuable.
Milo has always been prized as a bowl turning material because of its oily dense nature and good workability. It is an understated and very elegant wood; its beauty lies in the subtle ranges and strong contrasts of its colors, rather than the figure of the grain. The colors range from deep ebony to purples and pinks, with the sapwood, which finishes to a bone white, creating a striking contrast when incorporated into pieces. The sapwood is as hard as the heartwood when carefully trimmed. Due to its very oily nature Milo is often finished to a high polish with just oil or lacquer.
The tree grows in short twists and turns with numerous limbs; therefore Milo lumber is is only found in short lengths. Aside from bowls and calabashes Milo is used for carvings and small boxes. It is rare to see tables or cabinets made of this wood.