Mallotus resinosus

Mallotus resinosus, the resinous kamala, is a species of tall shrub, evergreen plant in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to India, Sri Lanka to New Guinea and Australia. The plant is known as கருவாளிச்சீ by Tamil people.

Leaves

Elliptic to obovate; base attenuate; margin serrate.

Flowers

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

Fruits

Globose seeded capsule.

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 to only be found within plants of the genus Scolopia.