Mallotus paniculatus (Lam.) Mull. Arg.
| Etymology | Genus | Woolly; referring to the seed capsules of some species in this genus |
|---|---|---|
| Species | After panicles; arrangement of the inflorescences | |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Croton paniculatus Lam. | |
| Common Names | Turn-in-the-Wind, Balek Angin | |
| Status | Native: Least Concern | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | South China to Malesia and northern Australia | |
Diagnostics
Mallotus paniculatus can be easily identified from its leaves. They are ovate with pointed tips and white undersides, and long petioles. The leaf margins that are simple to 3-lobed. The base of the leaves has a paired of glands.
Interesting Facts
The Turn-in-the-Wind tree is a very common tree at secondary forest edges. The paired glands on the leaf is known to secrete sugary fluid which attract ants; a possible mutualistic relationship (with the ant protecting the plant against herbivorus insects in return).
A lone Turn-in-the-Wind tree in Bidadari Cemetery.
Fruits are small, trilobed, and covered with bristles.
Leaves with spiral arrangement.
Leaf upper surface.
Bronze/white underside.
Paired glands.
Siyang ·
2014-09-14 / Modified: 2017-12-25