Kamala tree (Mallotus philippensis, Linnaea 34: 196 (1865))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: (Lam.) Müll.Arg.

Bibliography: Linnaea 34: 196 (1865)

Year: 1865

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mallotus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to N. & E. Australia

Description

The Kamala tree, scientifically known as Mallotus philippensis, is a remarkable species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This versatile tree is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions stretching from Asia to northern and eastern Australia. The Kamala tree commands interest not only for its botanical characteristics but also for its diverse applications and the ecological niches it occupies.

First described in the mid-19th century, the Kamala tree was formally documented in the renowned botanical publication Linnaea in 1865, with the author citation being attributed to (Lam.) Müll.Arg. This historical context underscores the long-standing recognition of the tree within the scientific community.

The Kamala tree is notable for its distinctive physical features. It typically manifests as a medium-sized tree but can vary in size depending on its habitat. The leaves are simple, often broadly ovate, providing a lush green canopy that offers shade and habitat for various wildlife. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that yield vibrant red fruit upon maturity. These fruits have historically been valued for their red dye, which has been traditionally used in textile and cosmetic applications.

Beyond its practical uses, the Kamala tree plays an essential role in its native ecosystems. It thrives in a range of soil types and climatic conditions, making it a resilient species in its natural distribution across the Asian and Australian tropics and subtropics. The tree also contributes to forest biodiversity, supporting various insects, birds, and other wildlife.

In traditional medicine, extracts from the Kamala tree have been employed to treat several ailments, thanks to the presence of bioactive compounds within its tissues. The tree’s bark, leaves, and fruit are utilized in different forms to address parasitic infections, skin disorders, and inflammation.

As our understanding of the Kamala tree deepens, it continues to exemplify the intricate connections between natural habitats and human cultural practices. Thus, Mallotus philippensis remains an indispensable species within both scientific research and traditional knowledge systems.

Common Names

Eng: kamala tree, kamala-tree, orange kamala, red kamala
Swe: kamala
En: Kamala tree, Kamala-tree, Orange kamala, Red kamala
Sv: Kamala

Synonyms

• Rottlera affinis (Hassk.)
• Echinus philippensis ((Lam.) Baill.)
• Copianthus indicus (Hill)
• Rottlera aurantiaca (Hook. & Arn.)
• Mallotus bicarpellatus (T.Kuros.)
• Rottlera philippensis ((Lam.) Scheff.)
• Mallotus philippensis var. reticulatus ((Dunn) F.P.Metcalf)
• Rottlera tinctoria var. monstruosa (Ham. ex Dillwyn)
• Croton philippensis (Lam.)
• Croton coccineus (Vahl)
• Mappa stricta (Rchb.f. & Zoll.)
• Mallotus reticulatus (Dunn)
• Tanarius strictus ((Rchb.f. & Zoll.) Kuntze)
• Rottlera tinctoria (Roxb.)
• Aconceveibum trinerve (Miq.)
• Croton distans (Benth.)
• Mallotus philippensis var. microphyllus (Müll.Arg.)
• Mallotus philippensis var. tomentosus (Gamble)
• Macaranga stricta ((Rchb.f. & Zoll.) Müll.Arg.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Rakesh Verma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2019 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Amit Dhiman (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 10, 2019 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by Noel Dionson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Vipra Malandkar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2020 by phuentsho (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2019 by robert andre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Kypa Bayapu Reddy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Sudhanshu Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Nov 22, 2004 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anthony G. Miller (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5378605)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:351650-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll.Arg.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth