Mallotus discolor
F. Muell. ex Benth.
White kamala, Yellow kamala
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(c) Geoffrey Sinclair, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaMallotus discolor is an Australian rainforest tree in the spurge family. It is known as the yellow kamala, due to the yellowish orange fruit covering, which produces a yellow dye.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 15 m high. They bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are oval and 10 cm long. They are dark green above and whitish underneath. The flowers are small and grey. They are in sprays 10 cm across. The male and female flowers are separate. The fruit are small and bright yellow. They are in segments and fleshy.
Edible Uses
The fruit is eaten.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in well-drained soils. It is best in full sun and can be in coastal rainforest.
Where It Grows
Moist and dry rainforest on the coast and coastal ranges of Eastern Australia.
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings. The seed are washed in warm, soapy water then sown fresh. Seed can be very slow to germinate. Cuttings of tips or softwood can be used.
Propagation
Seed - germination rates, even of fresh seed, can be poor.
Other Uses
A bright yellow dye is obtained from the powdered seed capsules. Yellow powdery glands cover the fruit surface and also dot the pale, downy underside of the long-stalked leaves. They are the source of a golden dye.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Anon., 2003, Native Plants for the Fitzroy basin. Society for Growing Australian Plants Inc. (Rockhampton Branch) p 64
- Melzer, R. & Plumb, J., 2011, Plants of Capricornia. Belgamba, Rockhampton. p 128
