Aleurites moluccanus

photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Best practices for survivability and field observations

Noted by several respondents that it is a long-living, large, aggressive species, particularly in windward areas, gulches, etc. and that it provides good shade and a moist understory. Another cautioned that its round nuts are hazardous to walk on in urban settings (hard surfaces like sidewalks). A couple of respondents noted that it does produce a lot of nuts which presumably are flammable. Cultural practices include burning for light, medicine, kinolau Kamapuaʻa, kapa dyes, ink, tatoo, lei, kaona enlightenment, food, for use in ceremonies.

Stressors and pests

Pests include Queensland long-horn beetles (attacks mature trees). A couple respondents noted that it is susceptible to rotting, with one noting that this is due to “poor compartmentalization (meaning it doesn’t close its wounds well).” It can attract rats, especially if nuts are not regularly harvested and accumulate on the ground. Several questioned its susceptibility to wind damage. Once moderately established (> 2 feet tall), it appears to be unaffected by weed competition, noting that it can be covered by vines (e.g., Desmodium spp).

Availability and propagation

Many respondents noted that it is readily available, producing lots of seeds, and keiki under mature trees which can be translocated. Some noted that it is fast growing from seeds and is easy to propagate.

Survey Results

For information about the survey, refer to our article: on Coastal Plants for Creating Green Breaks