Candlenut
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameAleurites moluccana
Trade / common nameCandlenut
FamilyEuphorbiaceae
RegionAustralia and New Zealand · South America · Southern Asia · South-Eastern Asia · Eastern Africa · Asia · Melanesia · North America
Distribution
Native to Malaysia, Polynesia, Malay Peninsula, Philippines and South Seas Islands; now widely distributed in tropics. Naturalized or cultivated in Malagasy, Sri Lanka, southern India, Bangladesh, Brazil, West Indies, and Gulf Coast of United States.Candlenut trees thrive in moist tropical regions, up to 1,200 m altitude. Ranging from Subtropical Dry to Wet through Tropical Very Dry to Wet Forest Life Zones, Aleurites moluccana is reported to tolerate annual precipitation of 6.4 to 42.9 dm
Uses
Agricultural implements, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Chemical derivatives, Construction, Decorative veneer, Drawing boards, Exterior uses, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery, Light construction, Matches, Millwork, Moldings, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Shingles, Toothpicks, Toys, Veneer, Wooden shoes
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Red
Brown
Orange
White to cream
Pale brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Whitish
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Red
Color not distinct from heartwood
White to yellow
Luster
Medium
Lustrous
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Chemical derivatives, Construction, Decorative veneer, Drawing boards, Exterior uses, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery, Light construction, Matches, Millwork, Moldings, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Shingles, Toothpicks, Toys, Veneer, Wooden shoes
Full Technical Species Profile
The public profile includes identification, distribution, linked imagery and selected public-facing species information. Sign in to use your membership access. The complete technical record is available with an eligible paid membership.
Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.