Common name: Red Kamala, Orange Kamala
Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Müll.Arg. APNI*
Description: Tree to 20 m high, ± stellate-pubescent.
Leaves alternate, with lamina ovate to oblong, mostly 4–12 cm long, 2–7 cm wide, margins entire, upper surface glabrous, green, often with 2 glands near base; lower surface greyish hairy and with red surface glands, appearing granular on older and dried leaves; 3-veined from base with lateral veins extending more than midway up lamina; petiole mostly 2–5 cm long.
Inflorescences terminal or axillary racemes, 2–10 cm long.
Capsule 6–9 mm diam., covered with dark red, granular glands, seeds black; ripe spring to summer.
Distribution and occurrence: chiefly north from the Hunter R., also found at Mt Keira.
Grows on margins and within warmer rainforest.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, CWS
Other Australian states: Qld
Text by T. A. James & G. J. Harden
Taxon concept: P.I. Forster (1999)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
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