Candlenut (kukui) Aleurites moluccanus
Candlenut (kukui) (Aleurites moluccanus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Malesia; spread across the Pacific by voyagers. It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Candlenut (kukui) in your garden →
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Candlenut (kukui) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–209 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: nuts (cooked only; kemiri in curry pastes) |
| Native to | Malesia; spread across the Pacific by voyagers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Candlenut (kukui) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: raw nuts
Raw nuts are strongly purgative; always roast or cook.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Candlenut (kukui)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Candlenut (kukui)
- How far apart should I plant Candlenut (kukui)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Candlenut (kukui) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Candlenut (kukui) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Candlenut (kukui)?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Candlenut (kukui) flower?
- About 156–209 weeks after planting, for 13–26 weeks.
- Is Candlenut (kukui) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Raw nuts are strongly purgative; always roast or cook.
- What grows well with Candlenut (kukui)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Candlenut (kukui). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Plant database and Hawaiian native plants, National Tropical Botanical Garden (Kauaʻi)
Notes and assumptions
- Silvery-pale foliage; the oily nuts were once burned as candles. State tree of Hawaii.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cassava Manihot esculenta
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii
- Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Pará rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
- Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
- Candelabra tree (naboom) Euphorbia ingens
- Griffith’s spurge Euphorbia griffithii