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Red Kamala

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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

 

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Last reviewed 15 June 2021
Last updated 15 June 2021