The Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) is grown in several tropical regions throughout the world. Its popularity is primarily the result of its utility and ability to thrive in less favorable environmental conditions. The tall, majestic tree is indigenous to Indo Malaysia where it was used extensively by the ancient Polynesians. Its physical characteristics have long been recognized for their ornamental value. Its beautiful blossoms and silvery leaves are a common attraction in the forested regions of Hawaii, where it is the official state tree. Its importance has increased with the introduction of commercial applications that have yielded its far-reaching benefits. It is an ideal plant for cultivation which continues to flourish in warmer climates.

The Kukui tree was introduced to several regions in the Pacific by the ancient Polynesians. It easily adapted to a variety of conditions ranging from wet to dry. The plant has the ability to withstand harsh drought conditions, high winds and can even grow in nutrient deficient soils and on sloping lands. It has been recognized as the Hawaiian State tree because of its traditional applications and its profuse growth rate in the region. It was commonly used as a medicinal plant, a dye for tapa cloth, an essential material to make canoes and a colourant in the creation of ancient tatoo forms. The cosmetic industry has also taken advantage of its skin rejuvenating properties and it is now extensively utilized in several commercial formulations.

Role of Kukui in History, Religion and Culture

The Kukui arrived on the Hawaiian islands some 1600 years ago. It was among one of several seeds brought by the ancient Polynesians during the earliest known exploration of the archipelago. The sacred seeds served two purposes during their long voyage to the pacific: as a feed for hogs being transported and as a means of spreading the useful plant to new settlements. It became particularly important to the evolving culture on the Hawaiian islands.

The nut was used to create lighting devices, which explains the origin of its name. "Kukui" literally translates to mean "lamp" or "light". Dark nights would be illuminated by these inventive candles which allowed the perpetuation of the ancient peoples' stories. While adults told tales of voyages, legends and the great deities, young children would be placed in charge of lighting new candles when old ones began dying out.

A more sophisticated lamp was created specifically for royalty. It burnt for longer periods and was considerably more impressive to behold. This became a useful symbol of the monarchy. Another such distinction, was the spectacular jewellery made exclusively for the chiefs and kings from the Kukui nuts. The Kukui nut lei, was impeccably created stringing several polished nuts together to form the ostentatious symbol of their position in society and eminence.

The Kukui became an important aspect of religious practices. The act of "saving face", essentially declared that if a member of society stole from royalty he should confess to the great Kahuna to avoid spiritual retribution. The great high priest would break a kukui nut into a burning fire to give the wrongdoer time to come forward. If he were unwilling to acknowledge his transgression, the Kahuna would utter and incantation that is believed to have killed the thief instantly.

It was also essential during the creation of tattoos, which were a symbolic rite of passage. Young men would be pierced with fish bone to create marks that were permanently filled by the dye produced from the nut. The risk of infection was great, but the ceremony's importance meant that pain and suffering had to be disregarded while the ritual was completed to its very end. A boy only became a man after donning his tattoo. Chiefs in particular, had to fulfil this very significant aspect of their culture which clearly distinguished their position in society.

Between 1840 - 1850 the oil from the nut was exported. The manufacturing of the oil was time consuming requiring many hands to extract it from its tough exterior. Some 10,000 gallons were shipped per annum until it became less feasible in the latter part of the decade. Today the oil is considered the most valuable extract from the plant because of its rich texture and usefulness.

Anatomy and Structural Characteristics of Kukui Tree

The Kukui is an impressive tree that can achieve heights of 66 feet, although on average it maintains a total height of 33 feet. The trunk is usually 3 feet in diameter and may appear crooked in some formations with spreading branches observed from its base. The tree grows its tallest when in confined areas such as narrow valleys. In the most favourable conditions, the Kukui will normally attain substantial heights with fewer side branches at the base and a thick layer of foliage that may approach ground level.

Kukui Seeds
Its seeds are protected by their hard, black, robust exterior. It is elliptically shaped and may measure anywhere between 1-1.4 inches. They are comparable to walnuts with the exception that they are denser and slightly smaller in size.

Kukui Leaves
Its leaves are perhaps its most defining feature. The unique blades are about 4-8 inches long with petioles that contain a sweet tasting sap. In younger trees, leaves will appear heart shaped towards the base with a pointed end. They are typically triangular or oval shaped and take on a silvery sheen that becomes less prominent as the leaf darkens with age.

Kukui Blossoms
The tree houses both male and female flowers on a single plant. They are white, tinged with green and are pleasantly fragrant. The male flowers grow in a pattern that allows them to enclose the female flowers. Each flower has five petals that are oblong shaped and an estimated 0.5 inches in length. The ovary is two celled and contains one ovule. The flowers are usually more prominent during the spring, although it is not uncommon to see blooms throughout the year.

Kukui Nut Fruit
The fruit may appear in colors ranging from green to brown. It is oval in shape and may grow as long as 2.4 inches in length. It has a husky exterior and fleshy interior. Each nut produces viscous oil which is comparable to the Aleurites Fordii specie.

Agricultural Uses of the Kukui Tree
The Kukui has several applications in agriculture. This has led to its increased use and sustained popularity. The leaves of the plant form a good basis for mulch. However, it is advisable that only 20% of the leaves on a single plant be utilized for this purpose to avoid a decline in the tree's growth rate. It is ideal for growth on sloping lands, thus can prevent landslides in areas that are devoid of trees and prone to slippage. The introduction of the Kukui in some areas of Hawaii has helped improve and preserve natural watershed areas. Its beauty makes it an ideal ornamental tree in home-gardens. It has long been used to create visually appealing, natural boundaries on properties in Hawaii. Additionally, it can also be planted in a manner that offers adequate wind protection because of its ability to withstand high gusts.

Other Uses and Commercial Kukui Applications
The Kukui has countless uses. Practically all areas of the tree offer a favourable benefit including its fruit, wood, root, blossom and bark. Centuries ago, the ancient Polynesians used the Kukui for medicinal purposes, the construction of housing, its ornamental value, dietary consumption and a variety of other applications. By the early part of the 19 th century Hawaiians began exporting Kukui oil to other places in the Pacific. The oil is still in high demand because of its beneficial properties.

The nut from the Kukui is not considered ideal for regular consumption, uncooked, it is quite toxic to the body. The cooked nuts are eaten in small portions, typically as a topping on other foods. Yet, the nut has been extensively applicable in folk medicine. It was used to treat asthma, digestive disorders, ulcers of the skin, uterine issues and helped to rid the body of certain poisons. Its leaves acted as a salve on swellings and wounds. Hawaiians still use the roasted seeds as a spice that is blended with chilli peppers, seaweed and salt for added flavour.

Today, it is the Kukui nut oil which is of most importance in commercial formulations. The light weight oil has the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, providing protection from the elements while increasing skin's elasticity and softness. It is extensively used in the manufacturing of lotions, body washes and body butters. It continues to gain popularity because of its ability to restore dry, sun-damaged or aged skin.

The Kukui tree is symbolic of the Hawaiian Islands where they have flourished for centuries. The tropical plant has sustained its presence because of its utility and resilience. Its innate characteristics and manifold benefits continue to intrigue the modern consumer. Its beauty is effectively matched by its ability to be used in a diverse set of applications. Subsequently, it maintains the same level of significance it once held to the ancient peoples responsible for its dissemination.

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