red kamala

English

Mallotus philippensis, the red kamala

Noun

red kamala (countable and uncountable, plural red kamalas)

1. A tree of species Mallotus philippensis.
   • 1984, Alan Ward, Hunter Region Landscapes: Conservation of Natural Areas, Parks and Reserves of Regional Significance, Rural Landscapes and the Coastal Zone, page 27:

     a number of species not normally found in the rainforests of the lower Hunter, such as Queensland Lacebark (Brachychiton discolor) and Red Kamala (Mallotus philippensis) .

   • 2017, Insight Guides Nepal, Insight Guides:

     The lower forests incldue bombax, the "silk cotton" tree, and red kamala, which produces the striking vermillion powder traditionally used in Hindu rituals.

   • 2022 September 12, Chris Thorogood, Chasing Plants: Journeys with a Botanist through Rainforests, Swamps, and Mountains, University of Chicago Press:

     We see a few other noteworthy plants nearby, including the dye-yielding red kamala tree (Mallotus philippensis) and the medicinal, pink-flowered India rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum).

2. Red dye produced from trees of species Mallotus philippensis.
   • 1905, The Agricultural Ledger, volumes 12-13, page 60:

     Dr. Dymock states that the average value of the best red kamala in Bombay in 1890 was R11 per maund of 41 pounds.

   • 1955, Queensland Journal of Agricultural Science, volumes 12-14, page 58:

     The fruits are small, coated with red kamala dye , which easily rubs off in transit

   • 1975, Robert Scott Troup, Troupʼs The Silviculture of Indian Trees, volume 1, page 171:

     It is bitter and is also used as an adulterant for the red kamala dye from Mallotus philippensis.