Kukui Tree – Aleurites moluccana

• Brought to Hawaii in the time of the Polynesian migration more than a thousand years ago.
• Up to 50 ft.
• Among the largest grove in the state.
• Used to make black dye, light wood to make canoes (Important in Hawaii economy).
• The white seed contains oil that helped to make candles and to fuel stone lamps.
• The Kukui nuts are used to make leis.
• Official tree of Hawaii.

    Source: (Majesty II, 1991)

• Used as a specimen or massed in a grove.
• Works best in full sun in soil with good drainage.
• Leaves, flowers, and seeds are used in leis.

    Source: (Rauch, 2000)

• Designated Hawaii’s state tree in 1959.
• Symbol for enlightenment.

    ​Source: (Wageman, 2008)

• Grown as a boundary or wind breaker.
• Oil extracted from the seeds was traditionally used by Hawaiians as a preservative for surfboards.
• Many types of birds find shelter in its canopy. 

    Source: (Elevitch, 2006)