Mallotus philippensis
Plant Number: 55
Common Name: Red Kamala, Orange Kamala
Scientific Name: Mallotus philippensis
Derivation of name
Mallotus– from the Greek word, 'mallotos' lined with wool, referring to the woolly hairs on the leaves of some of the species
philippensis – is from the Latin word, 'ensis' indicating origin or place which is the Philippine Islands where the first specimens were collected
Description
- Elliptical, hairy leaves with 5 prominent veins
- Tree up to 25 metres tall with a trunk diameter of 40 cm which has grey smooth bark with occasional wrinkles or with corky bumps
- Appears in rainforest margins or in disturbed areas free from fire
- Fruit may appear at any time of the year, but occur three months after flowering
- Fruit are densely and completely clothed in reddish brown glands
- Flowers are yellow-brown in colour with male and female flowers growing on separate trees
Human uses
The red powder on the outside of the fruit is soluble in alcohol, which produces a golden red dye suited to colouring silk and wool. The outer covering of the fruit can also be dried and powdered to make a preparation which is an effective agent for the expulsion of tapeworms. It is also a fish poison.
Acknowledgment: Mangroves to Mountains, PlantNET, Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants
Photo: Dinesh Valke