candlenut

The candlenut, or kukui nut (Aleurites moluccanus), is a tropical evergreen tree in the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is native to tropical Asia and the Pacific and has been cultivated in many tropical regions. The tree is recognized for its large, distinctive fruit capsules and abundant, oil-rich seeds. It can grow to a substantial size in suitable conditions, and it tolerates salt spray and poor soils, making it common in coastal landscapes.

The fruit is a rounded capsule that splits when mature to reveal one or two large seeds, the candlenuts. The seeds are hard, mottled brown and cream, with a high oil content. The tree’s wood is used in some applications, and the leaves and sap are characteristic of its tropical, ornamental presence in many landscapes.

Uses of candlenut are centered on the seeds. Candlenut oil is pressed from the seeds and has a long history as lamp oil due to its relatively high flash point. It has also found use in cosmetics and soaps. In several Asian and Pacific cuisines, roasted or dried candlenuts (known as kemiri in Indonesia) are ground into pastes to thicken sauces and add flavor; however, raw kernels are toxic and must be processed to reduce toxins. The principal toxins are phorbol esters and related compounds, which can cause irritation or more severe symptoms if ingested.

In Hawaii, the kukui is culturally significant and designated as the state tree. The candlenut thus occupies an important ecological and cultural role in tropical regions where it is grown and utilized.