Mallotus claoxyloides
green kamala
Overview
Mallotus claoxyloides is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing 6-20 feet (2-6 m) tall and 6-13 feet (2-4 m) wide, with a bushy, often multi-stemmed habit. The broadly ovate leaves are 2.4-6 inches (6-15 cm) long, mid to dark green, toothed along the margins, and dotted with small glands that give off a strong resinous scent when crushed. The species is dioecious, with separate male and female plants bearing small greenish flowers in slender spikes during spring and summer. Female plants produce three-lobed capsules about 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide, covered in soft projections and splitting to reveal shiny black seeds that birds disperse. Mallotus claoxyloides acts as a pioneer along rainforest margins and in regrowth, establishing quickly in disturbed, sunlit gaps on moist, fertile soils. It tolerates partial shade to full sun but has low tolerance of frost and prolonged dryness. In cultivation it is grown as a fast screening shrub and as a habitat plant in subtropical and warm-temperate gardens.
Native Range
Mallotus claoxyloides is native to eastern Australia, from coastal and subcoastal districts of New South Wales north into Queensland. It grows on rainforest margins, in regrowth, and along watercourses on moist, fertile soils.Suggested Uses
M. claoxyloides is grown as a fast-growing screen, as a pioneer in rainforest restoration, and as a habitat shrub whose fruit feeds birds. The aromatic foliage releases scent when brushed. Frost sensitivity restricts it to warm, sheltered, frost-free gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 13'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Mid to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow M. claoxyloides in partial shade to full sun on moist, well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. The species grows quickly in warm, humid conditions but has low tolerance of frost and extended dry spells. It suits USDA zones 10-11 and is damaged by frost below about 28F (-2C). Keep the soil evenly moist while plants establish, and mulch to conserve surface moisture. Both male and female plants are required if fruit and seed are wanted.Pruning
Prune M. claoxyloides in spring to maintain a compact, well-branched shrub, as untrimmed plants become open and leggy. It reshoots freely from old wood and tolerates hard cutting back. Tip pruning of young plants encourages denser growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons