About Mallotus discolor F.Muell. ex Benth.
Mallotus discolor F.Muell. ex Benth. is a small to medium-sized tree, typically growing around 12 metres (39 feet) tall. Exceptionally large individuals have been recorded in Australian nature reserves: one 30-metre-tall (98 ft) yellow kamala with a 50-centimetre-broad (20 in) trunk grows at Andrew Johnston Big Scrub Nature Reserve near Lismore, and another 30-metre-tall (98 ft) tree with an 80-centimetre-broad (31 in) trunk grows at Susan Island Nature Reserve. The species' natural distribution ranges from just west of Coffs Harbour (30° S) in northern New South Wales to Bowen, Queensland (20° S). Its trunk is not buttressed. Bark on older trees may develop some cracks and scales, but it is generally fairly smooth. Small branches are slender, and are green or brown, with reddish hairy growth toward their tips. Leaves grow on long, variable-length stems that are usually between 4 and 10 cm long. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, lack leaf teeth, and are lanceolate or ovate in shape with a long tip. Leaves are fairly thin, and measure 4 to 10 cm long. The upper leaf surface is green and almost hairless, while the underside is greyish. This two-toned colouration gives the species its scientific epithet discolor, which means two colours.
