Kamala (Mallotus philippensis)

Kamala (Also known as Monkey-face Tree) is an Ayurvedic plant, traditionally valued in medicine as well as in dyeing. The orange-red powder coating the seeds of the tree is the source of the dye. On protein fibres like silk and wool, it yields vibrant orange-yellows; on cotton, it gives lighter yellows. With ferrous sulfate, Kamala shifts into deep mossy greens, and when laid over indigo, it produces rich forest greens.

Historical Note
Kamala has been mentioned in Indian sources for centuries, both for its medicinal properties and as a dyestuff. It was particularly noted in Ayurvedic practice and was exported as a pigment for painting and dyeing during the colonial period.

Active Coloring Compounds
Flavonoid derivatives, including rottlerin.

CI Colour Name
Closest family: CI Natural Orange 4 / Natural Yellow 12.

Shading Tips

• Protein fibres (alum mordant 15% WOF) → strong orange-yellows
• Cellulose fibres → lighter yellows (mordant with tannin 10% WOF + alum 15% WOF, or alum acetate 10%)
• Ferrous sulfate → moss greens
• Over indigo → deep, forest greens