However, it must be distinguished from kamala meaning "lotus" in many Indian languages, an unrelated plant, flower, and sometimes metonymic spiritual or artistic concept.

The southernmost limit of natural distribution is Mount Keira, south of Sydney.

The species name refers to the type specimen being collected in the Philippines, where it is known as banato.

A bush to small or medium-sized tree, up to 25 metres tall and a trunk diameter of 40 cm.

The upper surface is green without hairs, the underside pale grey in colour.

This is soluble in alcohol, which produces a golden red dye suited to colouring of silk and wool.

[3] It produces rottlerin, a potent large conductance potassium channel opener.