Origin
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ochnaceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically found in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is commonly known as Hackar's Ochna or Hackar's Bird's Eye Bush.
Uses
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks for its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and diarrhea. The unripe fruits of the plant are edible and can be used to make jams and preserves.
General Appearance
The Hackar's Ochna plant has a neat and compact growth habit, with a height of up to 3 meters. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and oval-shaped with wavy margins. The plant produces attractive clusters of bright yellow flowers with five petals that bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit that follows is a red or black berry with a single seed inside. The fruits turn black when ripe and are fleshy and juicy.
Growth Conditions for Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is a beautiful plant that requires suitable growth conditions for healthy growth. The following are the ideal growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
The plant requires adequate light to grow and thrive. It does well in full sunlight or partial shade, making it ideal for growing in both indoor and outdoor environments. The plant generally grows well in bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can lead to sunburn and damage the leaves of the plant. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and temperate climate that is not too hot or too cold. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 18°C and 25°C (65°F - 77°F). However, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F) for short periods, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage to leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-drained and fertile soil, rich in organic matter. The soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils, which can cause root rot. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and loose to allow for proper water and nutrient absorption.
Regular watering is essential for the plant to maintain healthy growth. It should be watered regularly, but not excessively, to avoid waterlogging. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is a beautiful plant that can add aesthetic value to any garden or indoor space when grown under the right conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is a slow-growing plant native to Africa and is commonly referred to as the "Small-leaved plane." The plant prefers shady locations with well-draining soil, making it an ideal plant for container or pot planting. It can also grow in outdoor garden beds protected from direct sunlight. The plant is best propagated from cuttings taken during the growing season, and rooting should occur in a rooting hormone solution before being planted in soil.
Watering Needs
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée requires moderate watering, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out. Plants in containers should be watered often but not overwatered, as too much water can lead to root rot. In contrast, outdoor garden beds should be watered deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to soak up as much water as possible. During periods of heavy rainfall, it is essential to check the plant regularly to ensure it stays free from waterlogging and remains healthy.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to the growth and development of Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée. The plant requires regular applications of a balanced fertilizer, which should include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and the frequency and amount should be based on the plant's growth rate and overall size. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weak stems, while too little can lead to stunted growth and poor flower development.
Pruning
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée requires minimal pruning, and it is best not to prune heavily, as this can disfigure the plant. However, dead or damaged branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent disease and promote healthy growth. If necessary, the plant can be pruned to keep its shape and encourage growth. Pruning should be done after flowering to avoid cutting off any potential buds.
Propagation of Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée, commonly known as the Nigerian ochna, can be propagated through various methods such as stem cuttings, air layering, and seed propagation.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the easiest method of propagating Ochna hackarsii. Collect stem cutting of about 15-20 cm in length from an already mature plant in the early morning hours. Ensure that the cutting has a minimum of two nodes and one internode. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the end quickly into the rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting into a soilless rooting mix in a container and keep it away from direct sunlight. Lightly water it and cover it with a transparent plastic bag. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks for the roots to develop.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is a slightly complicated method of propagation. Identify a mature plant, choose a branch, and make a shallow cut around the circumference of the branch. Make a small ball of moist forest soil, wrap it around the cut area, and cover the area with plastic with the help of rubber bands at both ends. Keep checking the soil moisture and add water as needed. In about 6-8 weeks, roots will start developing on the soil ball. Cut the rooted stem and plant it in a pot containing potting soil.
Propagation through Seed Propagation
Ochna hackarsii can also be grown from seeds, but it takes longer as compared to the other methods of propagation. Collect the seeds in the fall season and dry them well. Then, plant the seeds in a soilless medium and keep it moist. Place the container in a warm spot that receives indirect light. Germination generally takes two to three months.
Choose the propagation method that works best for you to grow your own Ochna hackarsii plant and enjoy its natural beauty.
Disease Management
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is prone to certain diseases that can lead to stunted growth or death of the plant. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove and discard the infected leaves, and apply a fungicide spray to the remaining plant.
- Dieback: This is a fungal disease that causes the death of branches and twigs. To manage it, prune out and discard the infected branches, and apply a fungicide spray to the remaining plant.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth or death of the plant. To manage it, remove the affected plant and discard it, and treat the soil with a fungicide before planting a new plant.
Pest Management
Ochna hackarsii Robyns & Lawalrée is also prone to certain pests that can cause damage or death of the plant. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, or apply an insecticide spray if necessary.
- Thrips: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and deformation. To manage them, spray the plant with an insecticide spray or release predatory mites that feed on thrips.
- Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stem, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage them, scrape them off the plant using a soft brush, or apply an insecticide spray if necessary.
