[Skr. kamala. The Hindī form kamīlā or kamēlā is recognized, with pron. (kămī·lă), in some recent dicts.] A fine orange-colored powder consisting of the glandular hairs from the fruit-capsules of an East Indian euphorbiaceous tree (Mallotus philippinensis or Rottlera tinctoria), used for dyeing silks yellow, and employed as a vermifuge. Also attrib.
1820–32. in W. Roxburgh, Flora Indica.
1858. Hanbury, in Pharmaceut. Jrnl., Feb.
1866. Treas. Bot., 993/1. A red mealy powder … well known in India as Kámalá, and much used by Hindoo silk-dyers.
1876. Harley, Mat. Med. (ed. 6), 444. The Kamala Tree is common in hilly districts of India.
