Botanico

Plant profile

Kirk's Ochna

Ochna kirkii Oliv.

Photo of Kirk's Ochna
Image: Meneerke bloem. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Kirk's Ochna is an outdoor plant, recognized for its attractive flowers and fruits. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires direct sunlight.

From Wikipedia

Ochna kirkii is a shrub or small sized tree with greyish bark, belonging to the family Ochnaceae. Native to East Africa, the plant has been introduced in other countries as an ornamental plant.

Ochna kirkii — Text CC BY-SA. See the original article.

Open-data facts

Life form
It is a woody plant with a bushy to low tree-like form.
Climate
Tropical climate with a dry season: warmth and a clearly defined dry period.
Origin / area
Documented area of origin: E. Tanzania to NE. Mozambique.

Recommended products for Kirk's Ochna

    Ecological interactions

    • Hosts:

      Choristoneura occidentalis

    • Who pollinates this plant:

      Simosyrphus aegyptius, Polistes olivaceus, Xylocopa caffra, Lasioglossum mahense, Cinnyris dussumieri, Apis mellifera

    • Associated herbivores:

      Technomyrmex albipes, Camponotus grandidieri, Cinnyris dussumieri, Xylocopa caffra, Lasioglossum mahense, Apis mellifera, Formicidae, Leptocentrus madli…

    Basic care

    Watering
    A regular moderate watering rhythm works best.
    Light
    If leaves pale, check it is getting quality light.
    Temperature
    Prolonged cold slows growth.
    Humidity
    No humidifier required, but a little freshness helps.

    Pet toxicity

    Treat it as a pet-risk plant: distance and supervision.

    Cats: yes (toxic). Dogs: yes (toxic).

    Sources