Aleutites moluccana , commonly eff as Kukui or Candlenut , is part of the Aleutites genus in the Euphorbiaceae family , which includes a diverse mountain range of flora like poinsettias and cassava . This species is notable for its magnanimous , lobate leaf and the production of junky that are used for various purposes . The name “ moluccana ” indicates an origin from the Moluccas , though its true aboriginal domain is a subject of some debate .
While traditionally considered native to the Moluccas ( Maluku Islands ) in Indonesia , Aleutites moluccana has spread across the Pacific and Southeast Asia through human activity , making it difficult to pinpoint an exact aboriginal area . Its naturalised range includes Hawaii , where it ’s the state Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , Polynesia , parts of Southeast Asia , and even some Pacific island , prosper in tropical and subtropical climates .
Kukui has a racy cultural history , especially in Polynesia , where it has been integral to the life of native peoples for centuries . In Hawaii , the kukui tree was bring by other Polynesian voyager and used for numerous aim : its oil was used for torch , its wood for canoe , its nuts for coronal - making , and its leaves for healing . The name “ Kukui ” in Hawaiian intend “ light ” or “ common mullein , ” reflecting its use in traditional kindling . Its nuts are also a source of nutrient after processing to remove toxins , and the petroleum has medicinal uses . In other parts of Southeast Asia , it ’s known for culinary use , particularly in Indonesian and Malayan cuisine , where the nuts are a cardinal ingredient in cup of tea like curry . Its ethnical import extends to symbolisation , often play enlightenment or auspices .
Kukui is adapt to USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12 , requiring warm , tropic to subtropical environs to thrive . In these zone , it can grow into a big tree , reaching superlative of up to 60 foot . Its life can be quite long , often exceeding 100 long time when grown in ideal conditions , contribute to landscapes both as an ornamental and functional tree .
Kukui (Candlenut) (Aleurites moluccana): Characteristics
Kukui (Candlenut) (Aleurites moluccana ): Cultivation
land site Selection
prefer a land site with full sun to fond tone in a tropic or semitropical climate . Kukui favour location with high humidity and heat .
Soil Preparation
Requires well - drained , prolific land rich in constitutional matter . Amend weighty or sandlike grime with compost or well - rotted manure to improve fertility and drain .
Planting
Plant in bounce or early summer . Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper , ensuring the root crown is level with the ground . blank trees at least 20 to 30 feet asunder due to their ripe size .
Watering
Water regularly to establish , keeping land systematically moist but not waterlogged . Once established , Kukui is comparatively drought - tolerant but thrive with regular tearing in dry geological period .
mulch
Use organic mulch around the base to keep on filth wet , suppress weed , and enrich the grime as it decomposes . Keep mulch away from the proboscis to keep bunkum .
Fertilization
Fertilize with a balanced , dull - release fertilizer in other spring . If increase is vigorous , additional fertilisation might not be necessary , but if growth is deadening , supplement with additional nutrient .
Pruning and Maintenance
snip to shape or remove dead woodwind instrument in late winter or early spring before new growth begins . Control the tree diagram ’s size if desired , but be cognizant of its potentiality to reach large sizes .
Pest and Disease Management
Generally resistant to pests , but ascertain for scale insects or fungous diseases in overly cockeyed conditions . control in effect atmosphere circulation and avoid overwatering to keep down disease jeopardy .
Propagation
Propagate by seeds , which involve to be scarify or soaked to develop , or by cuttings from untested branches . Seeds can be directly sown or started in pots for later transplantation .
Winter Care
In USDA zone 10 - 12 , no particular wintertime care is needed as it ’s adapted to ardent climates . However , in the coolest parts of its reach , protect youthful tree diagram from occasional cold snaps with mulch or cloth cover .
