Collected 1770: Endeavour River
Observed 2018: The Gap
The artist has used the medium of scraperboard to feature the alternate leaves which are characteristically three-veined from the base and prominently patterned. Female flowers and fruit are also on display and given gentle accents of colour. The engraving technique on the black ground set fine details clearly.
Kamala powder, the red mealy powder coating the fruit capsules, is widely used in Asia as a dye for silk and wool, and also as a medicine for treating worms and parasitic skin diseases.
The plant also provides a useful timber, oil and tannins. It is grown as an ornamental, and valued especially for its red fruits.