A bushy, shrub or small tree to approximately 20m, depending on growing conditions.
Weed Category:
Weed:
No
Form or habit:
Shrub, Small tree
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Leaf:
Simple Alternate Ovate to lanceolate, 6-20 x 4-10cm. Apex long-tapered, base rounded, margins entire, upper surface green and hairless, lowers surface grey-green and hairy with numerous tiny red glands; often with two raised glands at the base on the upper surface; 3 prominent veins. Petiole 2-5cm long, slender with minute hairs.
Flower conspicuous:
Inconspicuous
Flower colour:
Yellow, Brown
Flower description:
Yellowish brown flowers, 1-3mm long, on racemes (clusters) up to 6cm, dioecious (separate male and female plants).
Fruit conspicuous:
Conspicuous
Fruit colour:
Red
Fruit:
Dry
Fruit description:
A capsule, globular with 3 lobes, 6-9mm diameter. Powdery red glands cover capsule. 2-4 black brown seeds 3-5mm long.
Habitat:
Beach scrub, gallery (riverine or riparian) forest, littoral rainforest, open forest, vine thicket, woodland.
Distribution
Cape York to Hunter region of NSW.
Food source for:
Fruit are eaten by Lewin’s honeyeater and figbirds.
Toxicity:
Potential allergen
Origin:
Australia; South East Asia extending to Asia.
Notes:
The fruit produces the golden red dye “kamala” which is used for dying silk. This powder is also used in India to treat skin conditions. The seeds produce a thick, yellowish brown oil or semi-solid fat which in India is used as a substitute for tung oil in fast drying paints and varnishes.
Information sources:
Beasley J. (2009) Plants of Cape York., Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia.
