64 



G. P. IV. Collection . PlATE XXX. 



Alcurifcs triloba. 



CANDLE-NUT KUKUI-NUT. 



The name Aleiirites is from the Greek word signifying flour : as 

 the tree, so easily recognizable from afar off by the pale hue of 

 its foliage, appears to be dustea over with flour. It is a hand- 

 some, soft wood, evergreen tree, growing to a height of from 

 40-60 feet, and is widely spread over tropical Polynesia, and a 

 great part of Malaysia ; and by all branches of the Polynesian 

 race, it is called by the same name : Kukui or Tutui. The natives, 

 tattooed their skins with a black dye which they prepared from 

 the juice which is found in the fleshy covering of the green fruit. 

 The leaves are alternate, 3-5 lobed, pubescent, and have long 

 petioles. The yellowish-green flowers are in terminal clusters. 

 The fruit is spherical, from 1-2 inches in diameter, and light- 

 green in color. It contains one or more nuts, or seeds, which 

 have a very hard bony shell, the surface of which is uneven like 

 the shell of a walnut. The kernals of this nut, when dried, were 

 strung together, or bound on sticks, and served the natives for 

 torches or candles : thus the English name of Candlenut Tree. 

 The oil obtained from the nut was used by the Hawaiians for 

 burning in stone lamps. The kernel, when baked, pounded, and 

 mixed with salt and Chili peppers, makes a brown paste which is 

 very appetizing. This is esteemed by the Hawaiians, who call it 

 "Inamona " 



