Overview:
Ochna citrina Gilg is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub species known for its bright yellow flowers and red fruit. It belongs to the Ochnaceae family and is native to South Africa.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Carnival Ochna, Bird's Eye Bush, Mickey Mouse Plant, or Yellow Ochna. These names are derived from the plant's appearance and blooming habits.
Appearance:
The plant has glossy, dark green leaves that alternate on the stem and grow up to 3 inches long. The bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. The plant produces fruit in the form of a black, berry-like drupe that turns red when ripe. The fruit can remain on the shrub for a long time, as the seed inside is not easily dispersed.
Uses:
Ochna citrina Gilg has ornamental value and is often used in landscaping and gardening as a feature plant. The bright yellow flowers and red fruit provide an attractive display. The plant is also used medicinally in South Africa to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections and skin conditions. The fruit is edible and is often used to make jams and jellies.
Overall, Ochna citrina Gilg is a beautiful and versatile plant that offers ornamental, medicinal, and culinary uses.Light Requirements:
Ochna citrina Gilg requires bright light to grow, but it should be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer season. It thrives well in a well-lit area with partial shading.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm conditions and cannot withstand frost. It grows well at a temperature range of about 15 - 28°C (59 - 82°F) and should be kept out of any cooler areas to ensure healthy growth.
Soil Requirements:
Ochna citrina Gilg requires fertile, well-draining soil. It prefers soil that is mildly acidic to acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.5) and rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-aerated, so it's important to choose a pot with sufficient drainage holes. To retain moisture, you can add peat moss, which will help the plant to grow better. The plant loves heavy feeding, so fertilize it every two weeks when it is in the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Ochna citrina Gilg can be grown in both pots and the ground using a well-draining soil mix. It requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or by sowing its seeds. Cutting and transplanting the larger plants is not as efficient as propagating the younger plants which grow quickly and become bushy.
Watering needs
The plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. During dry weather conditions, the watering should be increased to maintain the moisture content in the soil. Over-watering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Always ensure that excess water is drained from the pot or the ground.
Fertilization
Ochna citrina Gilg requires regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth, flowering and fruit bearing. Application of fertilizer twice in a month with balanced ratios of N-P-K is recommended. An organic fertilizer can also be used to enrich the soil and provide the necessary nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning can help to shape and maintain the desired growth of the plant. It should be done after the flowering season has ended to reduce the height and control the overgrowth of the bushy branches. Dead or diseased branches can also be removed to promote healthy growth and prevent pest infestation.
Propagation of Ochna citrina Gilg
Ochna citrina Gilg, commonly known as the Citrus Mickey Mouse plant, is an evergreen shrub native to Southern Africa. It is known for its attractive bright yellow flowers and dark green foliage. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by various methods that include:
Seed Propagation
The use of seeds is the easiest and most common way of propagating Ochna citrina Gilg. Seeds can be collected from the mature fruits of the parent plant.
The collected seeds should be cleaned and sown in a mixture of peat and perlite. Ensure that the potting mix is moist, but not waterlogged to facilitate germination. Cover the pot with a transparent plastic sheet or bag to create a humid environment and promote faster seedling emergence. Keep the pot in a warm and bright area but avoid direct sunlight.
Germination usually takes two to three weeks. Once the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
The use of stem cuttings is another efficient method of propagating Ochna citrina Gilg. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood parts of the parent plant during the growing season.
Prepare the cutting by removing the lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone before planting. Use a well-draining potting mix of sand and perlite and place the cutting in a pot. Keep the pot under high humidity and bright but indirect light.
Rooting usually takes up to 2 months, but once established, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method that can be used for mature Ochna citrina Gilg shrubs. This method is done by digging up the plant and separating it into smaller portions, ensuring that each possesses a healthy root system and adequate foliage.
Transplant each section into a well-draining potting mix in individual pots. Keep them in a humid and bright area to facilitate root establishment. It is important to avoid direct sunlight on the newly transplanted sections.
Propagation of Ochna citrina Gilg is an affordable and straightforward way of increasing stock. With the right care, the newly established plants will grow to their full potential, producing beautiful flowers and foliage.
Disease and Pest Management for Ochna Citrina Gilg
Ochna citrina Gilg, commonly known as the bird's eye bush, is a popular ornamental plant. It is a very resilient plant, but it is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Below are some of the diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Ochna citrina Gilg. It can cause the leaves of the plant to become discolored and twisted. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any affected leaves as soon as possible. You can also use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes lesions on the stems and leaves of the plant. The leaves may become distorted, turn brown, or fall prematurely. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune any infected branches. You can also use a copper fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They can cause the leaves of the plant to become yellow and distorted. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the garden.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Ochna citrina Gilg. They are tiny insects that live on the underside of leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant and to use pesticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, discoloration, and the death of the plant. To control scale insects, it is important to prune any infected branches and to use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the pests.
Ochna citrina Gilg is a beautiful and resilient plant that can thrive in many different environments. With proper disease and pest management, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
