Mallotus philippensis: Difference between revisions
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[[ | [[File:Mallotus philipensis flowers.jpg|thumb]] [[File:MallotesPhilipensis.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Red Kamala Mount Keira.JPG|thumb]] [[File:Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus melanicterus) feeding on Kamala (Mallotus philipensis) at Jayanti, Duars, WB W Picture 133.jpg|thumb]] {{Taxobox | ||
| name = Mallotus philippensis | |||
| image = | |||
| image_caption = | |||
| regnum = Plantae | |||
| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms | |||
| unranked_classis = Eudicots | |||
| unranked_ordo = Rosids | |||
| ordo = Malpighiales | |||
| familia = Euphorbiaceae | |||
| genus = Mallotus | |||
| species = M. philippensis | |||
| binomial = Mallotus philippensis | |||
| binomial_authority = (Lam.) Müll.Arg. | |||
}} | |||
'''Mallotus philippensis''', commonly known as the Kamala tree, is a species of flowering plant in the [[Euphorbiaceae]] family. It is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. This plant is notable for its use in traditional medicine and dye production. | |||
==Description== | ==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 | ''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 elliptic in shape, with a length of 5-15 cm. The tree produces small, yellowish flowers that are unisexual, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees (dioecious). The fruit is a capsule covered with a red powdery substance known as kamala dye. | ||
The tree produces small, yellowish | |||
==Distribution and Habitat== | ==Distribution and Habitat== | ||
Mallotus philippensis is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, | ''Mallotus philippensis'' is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, from sea level to 1,500 meters in elevation. It is distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. | ||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
The red | ===Traditional Medicine=== | ||
The red powder from the fruit of ''Mallotus philippensis'' has been used in traditional medicine for its anthelmintic properties, particularly in treating tapeworm infections. It is also used as a purgative and to treat skin diseases. | |||
===Dye Production=== | |||
The red powder, known as kamala dye, is used as a natural dye for coloring silk and wool. It is also used in the preparation of traditional cosmetics. | |||
The wood of Mallotus philippensis is | ===Other Uses=== | ||
The wood of ''Mallotus philippensis'' is used for making agricultural implements and as fuelwood. The leaves are sometimes used as fodder for livestock. | |||
==Chemical Constituents== | ==Chemical Constituents== | ||
The | The red powder contains several bioactive compounds, including rottlerin, which is responsible for its anthelmintic activity. Other compounds include isorottlerin and various flavonoids. | ||
==Conservation Status== | ==Conservation Status== | ||
Mallotus philippensis is not currently listed as | ''Mallotus philippensis'' is not currently listed as threatened, but habitat destruction and overharvesting for medicinal and dye purposes could pose future risks to its populations. | ||
== | ==Also see== | ||
* [[Euphorbiaceae]] | * [[Euphorbiaceae]] | ||
* [[Traditional medicine]] | * [[Traditional medicine]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Natural dyes]] | ||
* [[Anthelmintic]] | |||
{{Euphorbiaceae}} | |||
{{Traditional medicine}} | |||
{{ | |||
{{ | |||
[[Category:Euphorbiaceae]] | [[Category:Euphorbiaceae]] | ||
| Line 42: | Line 52: | ||
[[Category:Flora of Australia]] | [[Category:Flora of Australia]] | ||
[[Category:Medicinal plants]] | [[Category:Medicinal plants]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:22, 9 December 2024
_feeding_on_Kamala_(Mallotus_philippensis)_at_Jayanti,_Duars,_WB_W_Picture_133.jpg)
Mallotus philippensis, commonly known as the Kamala tree, is a species of flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia. This plant is notable for its use in traditional medicine and dye production.
Description[edit]
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 elliptic in shape, with a length of 5-15 cm. The tree produces small, yellowish flowers that are unisexual, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees (dioecious). The fruit is a capsule covered with a red powdery substance known as kamala dye.
Distribution and Habitat[edit]
Mallotus philippensis is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, from sea level to 1,500 meters in elevation. It is distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia.
Uses[edit]
Traditional Medicine[edit]
The red powder from the fruit of Mallotus philippensis has been used in traditional medicine for its anthelmintic properties, particularly in treating tapeworm infections. It is also used as a purgative and to treat skin diseases.
Dye Production[edit]
The red powder, known as kamala dye, is used as a natural dye for coloring silk and wool. It is also used in the preparation of traditional cosmetics.
Other Uses[edit]
The wood of Mallotus philippensis is used for making agricultural implements and as fuelwood. The leaves are sometimes used as fodder for livestock.
Chemical Constituents[edit]
The red powder contains several bioactive compounds, including rottlerin, which is responsible for its anthelmintic activity. Other compounds include isorottlerin and various flavonoids.
Conservation Status[edit]
Mallotus philippensis is not currently listed as threatened, but habitat destruction and overharvesting for medicinal and dye purposes could pose future risks to its populations.
