Overview of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips is a species of flowering plant in the family Ochnaceae. The plant is commonly known by several names, including small-leaved plane, Vietnamese Mickey Mouse plant, and purple-leaved Ochna. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely distributed in several countries including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China. The plant is well-known for its beautiful purple foliage and showy yellow flowers that bloom during late spring and early summer.
Appearance of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips is a dense, medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped, small, and shiny with a deep purple-red color that turns green as the plant matures. The flowers are bright yellow and slightly fragrant, measuring 2-3 cm in diameter and emerging on short stalks in clusters at the tips of the branches. The plant produces fruit in the form of small, round black berries that are edible but not commonly consumed by humans or wildlife.
Uses of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips
The plant has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. Its striking purple color makes it an attractive addition to gardens and landscaping projects, and it is easily propagated through stem cuttings. The plant also has several medicinal properties and is traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries to treat various ailments such as fevers, coughs, and diarrhea. The bark, roots, and leaves of the plant contain several active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins that have potential therapeutic effects.
In conclusion, Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips is a beautiful and useful plant that is native to Southeast Asia. Its stunning purple foliage and bright yellow flowers make it a popular choice for ornamental and landscaping projects, while its medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to traditional medicine in the region.
Light Requirements
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips typically grows best in partial shade. It is sensitive to intense sunlight and may not survive in direct sunlight. Therefore, placing the plant under trees or taller shrubs may be a better option.
Temperature Requirements
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips prefers warm and humid conditions. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but may not survive cold temperatures. It is recommended to maintain the temperature above 10°C (50°F) to keep the plant healthy.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.0. Clay soils should be avoided as they tend to retain too much water and may cause the roots to rot. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged; therefore, watering should be done carefully.
Cultivation
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips can be grown either in full sun or partial shade. However, it prefers partial shade as it is sensitive to direct sunlight. The plant can grow in any well-drained soil, but it grows best in moist and well-drained soil.
The planting of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips should be done in spring or fall. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in the center. Cover the roots with soil and press firmly to eliminate air pockets.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The soil must not be allowed to dry out completely. Generally, the plant should be watered once a week. However, the frequency of watering may need to be adjusted depending on the climate and soil type.
It is important not to overwater Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips, as this can lead to root rot. If the plant is kept in a pot, proper drainage holes must be provided to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to promote growth and health of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips. A balanced fertilizer with equal percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal.
Fertilization should take place during the growing season, which is in spring and summer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause root damage and lead to the death of the plant. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper application.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. New growth should be pinched to encourage fullness. Dead and damaged branches should be pruned to keep the plant healthy.
Pruning should be done in early spring or fall. Use pruning shears, and make clean cuts to the branches. Avoid tearing the branches as this can cause damage to the plant.
It is important to note that Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips produces flowers and fruits on new growth. Therefore, excessive pruning can affect the next season's flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively through cuttings or layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately after extraction. The seeds should be sown in a potting mix and kept moist in a warm and shaded area. The germination of seeds usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through stem cuttings or layering.
Stem cuttings: Select a healthy stem of the plant and cut it into pieces of about 15-20 cm length. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and shaded until rooting occurs. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to the garden.
Layering: Layering is done by bending a low branch of the plant towards the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be held in place with a stake. Roots will grow from the buried part of the branch. When the roots are well established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Vegetative propagation is preferred over seed propagation as propagation by seeds does not guarantee the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease Management
Like other plant species, Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips may be affected by different types of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause dead spots on the leaves and stem of the plant. It spreads through spores released by the infected plant parts. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune the infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. Infected plant parts appear to be covered with white, powdery spots. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation and avoid high humidity levels.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot can cause brown spots on the leaves and may lead to premature leaf drop. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Viral Diseases: Viral diseases can cause a range of symptoms in the plant, including stunted growth, distorted foliage, and yellowing of leaves. Since there is no cure for viral diseases, prevention is the key. Planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding the use of infected plant material can help prevent the spread of viral diseases.
Pest Management
Ochna atropurpurea DC. var. angustifolia E.Phillips may also be attacked by different types of pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves and stem of the plant, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, handpicking and using natural predators like birds and beneficial insects can be effective.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause distortions and yellowing of leaves. They also secrete sticky honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to the growth of black sooty mold. To manage aphids, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water and using natural predators like ladybugs can be effective.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. They also secrete sticky honeydew. To manage mealybugs, wiping the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and using natural predators like lacewings and parasitic wasps can be effective.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing and mottling of leaves, as well as premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, spraying the plant with a strong jet of water and using natural predators like predatory mites can be effective.
