Ochna | |
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Ochna serrulata | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Ochnaceae |
Subfamily: | Ochnoideae |
Tribe: | Ochneae |
Subtribe: | Ochninae |
Genus: | Ochna L., 1753 |
Species[1] | |
79; see text | |
Synonyms[1] | |
|
Ochna[2] is a genus comprising 79 species of evergreen trees, shrubs and shrublets belonging to the flowering plant family Ochnaceae.[1] These species are native to tropical woodlands of Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarenes and Asia.[3][4] Species of this genus are usually called ochnas, bird's-eye bushes or Mickey-mouse plants, a name derived from the shape of the drupelet fruit. The name of this genus comes from the Greek word ὄχνη (ókhnē), used by Theocritus and meaning "wild pear",[5] as the leaves are similar in appearance. Some species, including Ochna integerrima (yellow Mai flower) and O. serrulata (bird's eye plant), are cultivated as decorative plants.