Overview
Ochna membranacea Oliv., commonly known as the small-leaved plane or yellow wood, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Southeast Asia and widely distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, but generally, they are 1-3 meters in height. It has a smooth greyish-brown bark and branches are thin, flexible and covered with small hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate and ovate-lanceolate in shape, about 5-15 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The upper surface of the leaf is glossy, while the underside is dull. The flowers are small, yellow in colour, and bloom throughout the year followed by a fruit that is a small black drupe, 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage, vivid yellow flowers, and the small black fruit that remains for a long time on the plant. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat respiratory tract infections, fever, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
Moreover, the leaves of the plant are used in brewing tea, which is believed to have antimicrobial properties and is consumed to treat flu, cough, and sore throat. The root of the plant is also used as a mordant in the dying process, due to its astringent properties.
In some parts of Southeast Asia, the wood of the plant is used to make furniture, utensils, and small items for domestic use. The wood is hard, heavy, and durable and is an ideal choice for making handicrafts.
Growth Conditions of Ochna Membranacea Oliv. Plant
Light: Ochna Membranacea Oliv. thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorch and damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location that receives a few hours of early morning or late afternoon sun, and bright, indirect light for the rest of the day.
Temperature: The plant prefers warm and humid conditions, and can only tolerate temperatures between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 30°C). Cold drafts and below-freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to the plant's foliage and its overall growth. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature indoors, or grow the plant outdoors in warm and humid climates.
Soil requirements: Ochna Membranacea Oliv. prefers a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic pH level ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The soil mix should contain a blend of organic matter, such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to improve water retention and drainage. The plant can tolerate mild drought conditions, but excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so it is crucial to allow the soil to dry down moderately between watering.
Cultivation Methods for Ochna Membranacea Oliv.
Ochna Membranacea Oliv. requires a warm and humid environment to grow. It tolerates partial shade and grows best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
The plant can propagate through seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate through seeds, collect the fruits once they ripen and extract the seeds. Soak the seeds overnight in water before sowing them in compost-enriched soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them regularly.
For stem cuttings, use a healthy and vigorous stem, making a clean cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the topmost leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in compost-enriched soil, and water it frequently to keep the soil moist.
Watering Needs for Ochna Membranacea Oliv.
Ochna Membranacea Oliv. prefers evenly moist soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing and flowering seasons, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, as frequent shallow watering can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, and allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. The plant may require less frequent watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization of Ochna Membranacea Oliv.
Ochna Membranacea Oliv. benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce the frequency to once a month during the dormant season.
Alternatively, use an organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as compost or well-rotted manure. Apply the organic fertilizer once every month, mixing it into the soil around the plant's roots.
Pruning Ochna Membranacea Oliv.
Ochna Membranacea Oliv. requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant after flowering, cutting back the previous year's growth to a healthy bud or leaf node. This encourages new growth and flowering in the coming season.
Remove dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them, as they can become a source of infection for the rest of the plant. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and prevent any damage to the plant.
Propagation of Ochna membranacea Oliv.
Ochna membranacea Oliv. can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
The best time to collect seeds is during the fruiting season, which usually occurs between January and March. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection to ensure they are viable. Before sowing, the seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours to increase their germination rate. They should then be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of 1 cm. The soil should be kept moist, and seedlings should appear within 2-3 weeks. It is important to note that seedlings may not be true to the parent plant, as Ochna membranacea Oliv. can cross-pollinate with other species.
Cutting propagation
Ochna membranacea Oliv. can be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the summer months. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and taken from the current year’s growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and hormone rooting powder should be applied to the base of the cutting. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil in a pot or a sheltered area of the garden. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should take root within 6-8 weeks. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be planted in its permanent location.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another method that can be used to propagate Ochna membranacea Oliv. This method is best carried out during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. The branch to be propagated should be selected and a ring of bark should be removed around the stem, exposing the inner layer. Hormone rooting powder should be applied to the exposed area, and a ball of damp sphagnum moss should be wrapped around the stem. The moss should be covered with plastic wrap to keep it moist and secure. After a few weeks, roots will develop in the moss ball. The branch can then be cut below the root ball and transplanted into a pot or a sheltered area of the garden until it has fully established.
Disease and Pest Management for Ochna membranacea Oliv.
Ochna membranacea Oliv. is a plant native to Southeast Asia, known for its beautiful yellow flowers and black berries. Like other plants, it is prone to several diseases and pests, which can cause damage and reduce the plant's growth and health. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect Ochna membranacea Oliv. and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are a common problem for many plants, including Ochna membranacea Oliv. The symptoms include small circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, which may be brown, gray, or black. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and stems and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Root and Stem Rot: Root and stem rot is a fungal disease that attacks the root and stem tissues of the plant, causing them to decay. The symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage root and stem rot, ensure proper drainage and do not over-water the plant. Remove the infected parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and become stunted. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them. Alternatively, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing large holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove them manually or treat the plant with a biological control agent such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and weakening of the plant. To manage scale insects, remove them manually or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help your Ochna membranacea Oliv. plant grow healthy and beautiful.
