Macaranga (Vatta)

Macaranga peltata is a fast-growing evergreen tree of the spurge family with large, round leaves attached to the stalk at the centre. It grows in forest clearings of the Western Ghats, Kerala and Sri Lanka, where it is called vatta, and its bark yields a red gum.

In Kerala folk practice the bark and gum have traditionally been used in external preparations for skin care. Its leaves are used for wrapping food.