Candlenut, also known as kukui nut or Aleurites molucanna, is a tropical tree native to the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. The tree produces small, round nuts that are often used in cooking, particularly in Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines. The nuts have a rich, buttery flavor and are commonly ground into a paste or used as a thickening agent in various dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, candlenut has traditional medicinal applications. The oil extracted from the nuts is used for skin care and as a natural remedy for various ailments. The tree itself is also valued for its shade and ornamental qualities in tropical gardens.