Also known as Buah Keras · Candle Nut Tree · Candlenut
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Candleberry (Aleurites moluccanus) is a tropical tree known for its medicinal uses, edible seeds (when cooked), and oil extracted for various applications.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Well-drained, Sandy, Loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
The seeds contain toxic compounds. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Candleberry prefers consistently moist soil but dislikes waterlogging. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months or if the plant is established in the ground.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune candleberry to shape the tree, remove dead or diseased branches, and improve air circulation.
Light pruning can be done anytime, but major shaping is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove suckers from the base.
Candleberry can be propagated by seeds, which require scarification and stratification before sowing. It can also be propagated by cuttings, taken from semi-hardwood in summer.
Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a moist, well-draining medium.
Young candleberry plants may need repotting every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring adequate drainage holes.
Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting if grown in the ground.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Candleberry (Aleurites moluccanus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Aleurites |
| Species | Aleurites moluccanus |
Similar in genus Aleurites
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
