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Description
Mallotus Repandus is a tropical plant that is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. It is a member of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. This plant is commonly known as the Kamala tree, and it is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, measuring up to 12 cm long and 8 cm wide.This plant species is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. The Kamala tree produces clusters of small flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The fruit of Mallotus Repandus is a three-lobed capsule that contains numerous seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Mallotus |
| Species | Repandus |
Appearance
The Kamala tree, or Mallotus Repandus, has a distinct appearance with its simple ovate leaves and three-lobed fruit capsules. Its leaves are a dark green color with a glossy finish. The clusters of flowers produced by this plant are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit capsules turn from green to a reddish-brown color when they are ripe.This plant can grow up to 15 meters tall, but it is often pruned to maintain a smaller size. Its branches are slender and have a reddish-brown color. The bark of the Kamala tree is smooth and grayish-brown.
Care Guide
To care for Mallotus Repandus, you should provide it with regular watering, fertilization, and sunlight. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soil.Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Fertilize the Kamala tree with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of hardiness zones. It is hardy to USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Kamala tree can be susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Common pests that can affect this plant include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with regular insecticidal soap treatments.Diseases that can affect Mallotus Repandus include fungal leaf spots, root rot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that it has good air circulation. Fungal diseases can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Mallotus Repandus is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. This plant species prefers tropical climates and can tolerate a range of soil types. It can be found growing in forests, along roadsides, and in other open areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mallotus Repandus grow indoors?
A: Yes, the Kamala tree can be grown indoors in a bright location. However, it may not thrive as well as it would outdoors.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mallotus Repandus?
A: Fertilize this plant with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Q: Can Mallotus Repandus tolerate frost?
A: No, this plant is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How much sunlight does Mallotus Repandus need?
A: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and should be grown in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mallotus Repandus:
- Mallotus japonicus
- Mallotus paniculatus
- Mallotus villosus
- Mallotus tetracoccus
References
- “Mallotus repandus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 6 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a662.
- “Mallotus repandus.” Floridata. Accessed 6 August 2021. https://floridata.com/Plants/Euphorbiaceae/Mallotus%20repandus/20.
- “Mallotus repandus.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 6 August 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/mallotus-repandus.
