Mallotus philippensis

Mallotus philippensis - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-221

Mallotus philippensis is a species of plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is commonly known as the Kamala tree, Red Kamala, or Kumkum tree. This plant is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia.

Description

Mallotus philippensis is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 5-15 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is lighter and covered with fine hairs.

The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are arranged in axillary or terminal panicles. The fruit is a capsule, typically covered with a red powdery substance known as kamala dye, which is used for various purposes.

Distribution and Habitat

Mallotus philippensis is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and scrublands. It is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia.

Uses

The red powdery substance from the fruit capsules, known as kamala dye, has been traditionally used as a dye and for medicinal purposes. It is used in the treatment of skin diseases, as an anthelmintic, and for other therapeutic purposes in traditional medicine.

The wood of Mallotus philippensis is also used for making furniture, agricultural tools, and in construction.

Chemical Constituents

The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including rottlerin, isorottlerin, and other flavonoids. These compounds are responsible for the plant's medicinal properties and its use as a dye.

Conservation Status

Mallotus philippensis is not currently listed as a threatened species. However, habitat destruction and over-exploitation for its medicinal and dye properties could pose future risks to its population.

Gallery

• 

  Leaves of Mallotus philippensis

• Mallotus philippensis fruit.jpg

  Fruit of Mallotus philippensis

See Also

• Euphorbiaceae
• Traditional medicine
• Dye plants