The Kukui tree is easily recognizable from afar off by the pale hue of its foliage, which appears to be dusted over with flour. It is a handsome, soft wood, evergreen tree, growing to a height of from 40 to 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 Hawaiians 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 to 5 lobed, pubescent, and have long petioles. The yellowish-green flowers are in terminal clusters. The fruit is spherical, from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and light-green in color, changing to a dull-brown when ripe. It contains one or more nuts, or seeds, which have a very hard, boney shell, the surface of which is uneven like the shell of a walnut. The kernels 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 much esteemed by the Hawaiians, who call it "Inamona."