Mallotus philippensis aka Kamala Tree

Mallotus philippensis is also known as kamala. It belongs to the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Its native range spans tropical and subtropical parts of Asia. It extends to northern and eastern Australia. It grows in forests that stay green all year. These include woods that grow back after disturbance. It also grows in scrub and on open, rocky sites. In some forests, it forms much of the undergrowth. People grow it for its useful products and red fruit.

This tree stays green all year and grows slowly. One source gives its height as 66 feet (20 metres). That account lists a maximum of 82 feet (25 metres). Its short trunk often has deep grooves along its length. The trunk can reach 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) across. Most trunks, though, stay smaller than this. Ants pollinate the flowers, moving pollen between them. Fine glandular hairs cover the ripe fruit and hold dye. The red fruits give the tree its main garden appeal.

Kamala suits warm, tropical sites and tolerates sun and shade. It grows best at daytime temperatures of 25–34°C. Trees can cope with drought once they are established. It prefers soil with a pH of 5–6.7. It can also tolerate soil from pH 4.5 to 7.5. Dormant plants may survive brief cold near −2°C. New growth can suffer severe damage at 0°C. Frost is thus a concern outside warm climates.

The fruit hairs yield kamala powder, which dyes wool and silk. The tree also supplies timber, oil and tannins. In traditional medicine, people use the powder against gut worms. Reports list uses for skin complaints, ulcers and diarrhoea too. These uses do not prove that home treatments are safe. Reports also describe young leaves as food. Seed oil adds colour to foods and drinks. Fruit powder helps preserve some fats. These uses need care, as the plant contains toxic compounds.

The roots, stems and leaves contain hydrogen cyanide. Reports say the seeds hold a toxic glycoside. Too much kamala powder can cause nausea in people. The plant's compound rottlerin has affected fertility in female lab animals. Reports also describe harm to frogs and some fish. Growing trees from seed can give poor results. Drought and insect attack are among the causes. The tree also grows suckers, which offer another way to propagate it.