The above code will insert an null column into the table. Any ideas why?

Because its drawn that way programmed to do so?

Perl Code

Full of syntax errors -- it doesn't run, it can't possibly do anything

APEX restful service

What is that, some kind of "Oracle APEX"...something... configuration?

I see typos in that also (unbalanced ">").

I guess I would change MIME Types allowed: blank to something (not blank), until you figure out what kind of input your "Oracle APEX" accepts

I imagine it might be found in some "Oracle APEX" docs

It might help you get help if you post real code without typos, and real "oracle sql xmltype" ... and if you mention what docs/tutorials you're following

Good luck

crossposted to http://stackoverflow.com/questions/19439560/perl-http-post-to-oracle-apex-restful-web-service-inserts-null-in-xmltype-and-va and crossposted to How to insert document into xmltype column thro... | Oracle Forums

I cross-linked these cross-postings for maximum collaboration efficiency