Epiprinus mallotiformis (Muell. – Arg.) Croizat (EUPHORBIACEAE)Symphyllia mallotiformis Muell. – Arg.
Common name
Tamil: Karinjikkada.
Description: These are compact, monoecious trees reaching a height of 8 meters; their young parts are covered in stellate-pubescent fuzz. The leaves are arranged alternately, elliptical in shape, and can grow up to 14 by 6.5 centimeters. acute at base, acute or shortly acuminate at apex, whitish beneath when dry; petioles up to 3.5 cm long. Flowers small, in axillary or terminal spicate racemes; female flowers few below, male flowers above. Calyx lobes 4 (-5) in male and (5-) 6 in female. Stamens 4 (-5). Ovary densely pubescent, 3-celled; styles connate at base, 3-fid above; stigmatic lobes 12, plumose. Capsules ovoid, 1.5 – 2 cm across, 3-lobed. Seeds 3.
Flowering & Fruiting: September- March.
Distribution: India: In evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Western Peninsular India. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.