Aleurites

Aleurites is a small genus of flowering plants in the order Malpighiales that includes a few tropical tree species. The best known member is Aleurites moluccanus, commonly called the candlenut tree or kukui. The genus has a complex taxonomic history and has been treated as its own family (Aleuritaceae) in older classifications and, in some schemes, placed within Euphorbiaceae; modern systems generally place Aleurites in the family Sapindaceae.

Aleurites trees are evergreen and can reach substantial height. They typically bear large, simple leaves that may be variably lobed. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule that splits open when ripe to reveal several large seeds rich in oil. The seeds are grayish-brown and relatively large, and they contain compounds that can be toxic if not processed properly.

Native to tropical Asia and the Pacific, Aleurites moluccanus ranges from Indonesia and surrounding islands to Hawaii and other Pacific regions, where it has long been cultivated. It tolerates tropical lowland and humid environments and often grows near coasts or in disturbed habitats. The tree has cultural significance in some Pacific Island communities.

Uses of the genus are primarily derived from the seeds. The oil extracted from the seeds, known as kukui oil, has historically been used as lamp fuel and is now employed in cosmetics and skin-care products. In various cuisines, processed candlenuts are used as a spice or thickener, notably in some Southeast Asian dishes; raw seeds are toxic and can cause irritation or more serious effects if ingested. The wood is also used locally for timber and fuel.