La`au Kana`iwa Kumamakahi.....90th Plant
Kukui or Candlenut Tree
Aleurites moluccana
Native to South Asia through to Polynesia, the Kukui was perhaps
of Polynesian introduction to Hawaii rather than native. Kukui
becomes one of the most common trees in the low-land wet forests.
You may distinguish this tree easily by its maple-like leaves,
clusters of nuts, and the light silvery-green appearance as you
view the tree from afar. Hawaiians made considerable use of
Kukui, from food to medicine, jewelry to lanterns, and drums to
canoes (to mention a few!). Much old Hawaiian mythology centers on
the Kukui, and for modern times it's declared the Hawaii State Tree.
Kukui is one of the most beloved trees in Hawaii both wild and
cultivated.
Kekahi La`au Aku NO
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