Kukui Nut Tree

Notes:

Species Identification Sheet Common name: Kukui nut tree Scientific name: Aleurites moluccana Geographic area of origin: Indo Malaysia Common uses/hazards/importance: It can be used for cooking, lighting places, medicine, jewelry, tattoos, and fisherman could use it to break the surface tension in the water to remove the reflections and increase their visibility range. It is mildly toxic when it's raw if you eat it. Distinguishing features: The leaves are the most distinguishing feature because they are about 4-8 inches long, and on younger trees, they will look sort of heart shaped. The nut is also distinctive because they are elliptical and black. Date and method of arrival in Hawaii: It was brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians who migrated to the islands about 1600 years ago (the year 412). Indigenous? Yes Endemic? Yes Invasive? No Other interesting historical, cultural, or ecological information: They can grow up to 100 feet tall.