Mallotus philippinensis
EUPHORBIACEAE. Indigenous
SIZE: 5-10m tall: trunk size 10cm diameter
TYPE: Evergreen, dioecious (with male and female plants)
HABITAT: Secondary forests, thickets and open rocky grounds
The banato is a gregarious species useful for regenerating forests. Its appearance also qualifies it to be an ornamental tree. Beauty conscious women love its seed oil for its efficacy in cosmetic preparations. Any of its parts may be used to treat parasitic infections of the skin and; leaves may be used for fodder. Ripe fruit granules are used as dye and preservative for vegetable oils and dairy products.