Mallotus macrostachyus (Miq.) Mull. Arg.
Null / Lekon abai/Lokon (Dus.); Entupak/Nentupak (Ib.); Balik angin (M.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Terrestrial shrub to small tree that can reach up to 16 m high. Leaves are simple, alternate or suboppositely arranged, lobed, adaxially dark green, abaxially brownish-grey and containing nectar glands at the margin and at leaf blade base. Leaf blade is subpeltate to broadly ovate to ovate, acute at apex, truncate to rounded at base with toothed margin. Outer barks are finely fissured, soft, brownish-grey while the inner barks are yellowish green. Sapwood is white. Inflorescence a spike borne at leaf axils or terminal branch. Fruit a light green, densely hairy capsule clothed with numerous spines. Seeds are ellipsoid and dark
The local healers believed that the leaves can promote babies to learn fast how to walk by gently patting the leaves to the leg. In other countries, the plant is also used for bathing after childbirth. The plant exhibits hypercholesterolemia, anticonvulsant, gastroprotective and antibacterial activities.
It prefers moist but well-drained soil under shade. It is commonly found on marshes, on rice fields, along streams or trails, or attached to rocks in streams.
Seeds.
Distributed in Peninsular Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.
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