The kukui tree, also known as the candle tree, is the state tree of Hawaii. It originated in Polynesia and is the only non-native state tree in the US. The tree has many uses, including as a source of light and oil for soap and paint. Different parts of the tree are also used for medicinal purposes. The tree symbolizes peace, protection, and enlightenment and is believed to be descended from a Hawaiian god.
The state tree of Hawaii is the kukui tree. It is commonly called the candle tree, although some people refer to it by its species name, Aleurites moluccana. It was officially designated the state tree of Hawaii by the state legislature in 1959. Interestingly, it originated in Polynesia, making Hawaii the only state in the United States to have a non-native tree as its official state tree. It can be identified by its silver-green leaves, small white flowers, and golf ball-sized nuts.
Originally, the state tree of Hawaii was the coconut palm. It was named the state tree by the governor of the then Territory of Hawaii. In 1959, however, for unknown reasons, the Hawaii State Tree was changed to kukui.
The kukui tree has many uses. Nuts can be lit, for example, in a similar way to a candle, lending to the origin of its common name, the candle tree. In fact, walnuts were commonly used in torches because they burned for several hours and gave off quite a bit of light. Dice were also used in leis. They are often polished into these popular floral cozy necklaces, creating shiny white, black or brown sections of the lei.
Walnut oil can also be used. For example, the oil can be used in soap or paint. It is also used as a preservative for items such as fishing nets and wood. Also, some people use the oil as a skin moisturizer and it is sometimes used as a remedy for sunburn and psoriasis.
People seeking natural alternatives to modern medicine use different parts of the Hawaiian state tree to treat a wide variety of ailments. For example, the sap from the nut and bark are thought to treat chapped lips. Also, nuts are believed to cure constipation if they are crushed and consumed. Additionally, the flowers are thought to cure thrush, a throat infection that affects young children. It is important to remember that walnuts are considered to be moderately poisonous, so only a person skilled in homeopathic remedies should use them for medicinal purposes.
The Hawaii State Tree symbolizes peace, protection and enlightenment. These symbols are prominently displayed, as kukui is used in peaceful leis of welcome, protective medicine, and as a source of light. Hawaiian history indicates that the tree was descended from one of the Hawaiian gods, the pig god. As a result, many people believe that the leaves of the kukui tree resemble a pig’s nose or ears. Others think the leaves simply resemble the common maple.
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