Mallotus resinosus explained

Mallotus resinosus, the resinous kamala ,^[1] is a species of 12m tall shrub, evergreen plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to India, Sri Lanka to New Guinea and Australia.^[2] The plant is known as "கருவாளிச்சீ / karuvalichchi" by Tamil people.

Leaves

Elliptic to obovate; base attenuate; margin serrate.^[3]

Flowers

Inflorescence - present, where male flowers are clustered and unbranched. Female flowers are also unbranched, but with 3 locules and few short spines.^[4]

Fruits

Globose seeded capsule.^[5]

Chemistry

Scientists found a simple coumarin, called Scopoletin from the root extraction of resinous kamala. It was identified as the active principle responsible for DNA cleavage activity during the extraction process. The chemical was once thought that it was only found within plants of the genus, Scolopia.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mallotus rhamnifolius - Buckthorn-Leaved Kamala. Flowersofindia.net. 24 November 2021.
2. Web site: Mallotus rhamnifolius - EUPHORBIACEAE. Botik.org. 24 November 2021.
3. Web site: Mallotus resinosus stenanthus. Indiabiodiversity.org. 24 November 2021.
4. Web site: Mallotus resinosus - Resinous Kamala. Flowersofindia.net. 24 November 2021.
5. Web site: Mallotus resinosus . Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants . Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) . 28 February 2021.
6. 15387675 . 10.1021/np040129c . 67 . 9 . A coumarin from Mallotus resinosus that mediates DNA cleavage . Sep 2004 . J Nat Prod . 1614–6. Ma . J . Jones . S. H . Hecht . S. M .