Mallotus repandus

Mallotus repandus is an evergreen vine that may reach up to 20 m (66 ft) long and a stem diameter of up to 22 cm (8.7 in).^[3][4][5] It is the only Mallotus species to grow as a liana.^[6]: 23 Bark is dark brownish grey.^[7] Branchlets, petioles and inflorescences are dull yellowish-brown. The blaze (longitudinal cut of the bark) is finely layered, with an odour of green peas (Pisum sativum). The simple and broad leaves are slightly peltate.^[8] Flowers are yellowish. It flowers in China from March to May, and fruits from June to September. The species can be distinguished from other Mallotus species, by its being a climber and that its upper leaf surface have more than 2 marginal extrafloral nectaries, and that its fruits are (1-or) 2- or 3-locular.^[7] A molecular phylogeny study has M. repandus as a sister species of M. phillippensis (Lam.) Muell.Arg.^[9] The indumentum/hairs on the leaves of the plant are simple and multicellular, a trait only found amongst the Mallotus genera in the closely related M. philippensis.^[6]

The climber/shrub grows locally scattered in the understorey of primary to secondary forest, and in disturbed sites and scrub. It can be found at forest edges, mangrove swamp edges, road and river sides, ridges, steep slopes and dry ground. It is able to grow on various soil types, including those derived from limestone and granite, on sandy loam and rocky soils. It occurs from sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) altitude. It generally flowers and fruits throughout the year.^[7] Grows in both lowland and upland rain forest in Queensland, at elevations from near sea level to 750 m (2,460 ft).^[3] In Southeast Asia, the liana/shrub occurs in secondary vegetation formations or on the edges of dense forests.^[10] In China it is found in thickets, forest and their fringes, hills and mountain valleys below 100 m (330 ft).^[4] The plant is sometimes harmed by infestation with the parasite plant Cuscuta japonica (Japanese dodder).^[8] It provides food for the moth Acrocercops zopherandra. It is one of three Mallotus species that host the fungus Cercospora malloti.^[11]

The climbing mallotus is native to a very broad area from India to Oceania, including India, East Himalaya, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, much of east, central and southern China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Queensland, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.^{[2][3][4][12]}