Mallotus

Mallotus is a genus of flowering plants in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. The genus comprises about 100 species of shrubs and small to medium-sized trees native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. They typically inhabit forests, forest margins, and tropical woodlands at low to mid elevations.

Morphology and taxonomy: Mallotus species generally have alternate, simple leaves and produce small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in panicles or other inflorescences. Many species bear flowers on separate inflorescences, and the fruits are typically capsules that release seeds when mature. The genus is placed in the subfamily Acalyphoideae within Euphorbiaceae and is related to other tropical genera such as Croton and Acalypha.

Economic and ethnobotanical uses: The most widely known species is Mallotus philippinensis, commonly called the kamala tree. It yields a reddish resin from its dried inflorescences known as kamala, which has historically been used as a textile dye and as a cosmetic hair dye, as well as in traditional medicine in parts of Asia. Other Mallotus species are used in traditional medicinal systems or as ornamental trees, and a few have been exploited for timber or resin.

Distribution and ecology: Mallotus species are predominantly tropical and are found in a range of habitats from lowland forests to hills. They play ecological roles in their native ecosystems as part of forest communities and as source plants for various fauna.

Conservation: The conservation status of Mallotus species varies by region and habitat, with some populations threatened by deforestation and habitat fragmentation.