Kukui

English Name:

Candlenut, Tung Tree

Scientific Name:

Aleurites Moluccanus

Description:

Trees, to 25 m tall, silvery-gray powder on leaves. -data.bishopmuseum.org

Habitat:

Common in mesic valleys especially between 0–700 m on most main islands - data.bishopmuseum.org

Propagation:

Sow the hard seeds in moist sowing & cutting soil and cover with foil or glass. Put away in a sunny, warm spot, so germination can occur after three to four months. The germination can be stimulated by cracking the seeds before sowing. However, this may also damage the seeds. -onszaden.com

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau:

#695 - He kiu ka pua kukui na ka makani. The kukui blossoms are a sign of wind. When the kukui trees shed their blossoms, a strong wind is blowing - Puku‘i, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau

#1347- Ka iʻa kaʻa poepoe o Kalapana, ʻīnaʻi ʻuala o Kaimū. The round, rolling fish of Kalapana, to be eaten with the sweet potato of Kaimū. The kukui nut, cooked and eaten as a relish. This is from a hoʻopāpā riddling chant in the story of Kaipalaoa, a boy of Puna, Hawaiʻi, who went to Kauaʻi to riddle with the experts there and won.

#1474 - Ka malu hālau loa o ke kukui. The long shelter of the kukui trees. A kukui grove shelters like a house - Pukui, ‘Ōlelo No‘eau