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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