Plant Description:
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg, commonly known as the Mickey Mouse plant or Small-leaved plane, is an evergreen shrub of the Ochnaceae family
Origin:
The plant is native to the African continent, specifically western and central Africa. It can be found in countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Congo.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Mickey Mouse plant due to its distinctive red or black, berry-like fruits that resemble the cartoon character’s ears.
Uses:
The Mickey Mouse plant is popular in horticulture due to its attractive foliage and showy flowers. The plant is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as coughs, stomach ache, and fever. The fruits of the plant are used in dye-making because they produce a red dye.
General Appearance:
The Mickey Mouse plant is a small, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of about 1.5-2 meters. The plant has dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and have a pointed tip. The leaves are arranged alternately and grow up to 8cm long. The plant produces yellow flowers that are about 3cm in diameter, and it blooms from November to March. The fruits are berry-like and start off green before turning red or black. The fruits are about 1cm in diameter and are edible but not commonly eaten due to their bitter taste.
Light Requirements
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg typically grow in areas with partial sun exposure, between four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much sunlight can cause damage to the leaves and reduce the plant's overall growth. It is important to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, as this can further damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg prefer warm temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). However, the plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including cooler temperatures with proper care and attention.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil consisting of a mixture of sand, loam, and organic matter. It is important to avoid soil that retains moisture and can cause the roots to become waterlogged. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5 to promote healthy growth. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, the plant may suffer from stunted growth and nutrient deficiencies.
Cultivation methods
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is a tropical plant native to Africa. It requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant prefers filtered sunlight and well-drained soil.
The best way to cultivate Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is to plant it in a container with a mixture of sandy loam and organic matter. The container should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The plant can also be grown directly in the ground in a garden bed.
Watering needs
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg requires regular watering to maintain its growth and health. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out.
During the growing season, Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg should be watered once a week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. In dry and hot weather, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal for the plant. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season, which is spring and summer.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid overfertilization, which can damage the plant's roots and prevent it from absorbing nutrients from the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.
When pruning, remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Next, cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the plant's shape. Finally, remove any crossing branches that may rub against each other and cause wounds. It is also useful to remove any flowers or fruits that have finished blooming to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg plant
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg, also known as the small-leaved plane, is a great ornamental plant due to its small size and beautiful yellow flowers. The plant can be propagated via seeds, cuttings, and layering methods.
Propagation through seeds
To propagate Ochna micrantha using seeds, collect the matured fruits from the plant during the late summer season. Allow the fruit to mature and dry out to crack open, which will expose the seeds. Afterward, soak the seeds in water for about a day to soften the outer layer, which will aid in germination. Plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mixture and begin watering regularly to keep them moist. Germination should occur within two to six weeks, and the growth rate is usually slow.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method of propagating Ochna micrantha. Cuttings should be taken from stems that are still young and soft, preferably 5-8cm long, and must contain at least two or three leaves. Strip off the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in soil mix that is adequately moist and well-drained. Keep the soil moist, placing the cuttings in a shaded area until rooting occurs, and switch to a more sunlit area. The growth rate is usually faster than seeds, and the plant should reach maturity within a couple of years.
Propagation through layering
Propagation through layering involves bending a mature stem towards the ground and then ensuring that the bent part is covered by soil to encourage the formation of roots. Afterward, the rooted stem can be separated from the main plant and planted into a well-drained potting mix, then kept adequately moist until established. The growth rate is usually slower than through cuttings, but again much quicker than through seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg
Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg, commonly known as the small-leaved plane or the carnival bush, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that can reach up to 4 meters in height. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical Africa and is grown for ornamental purposes. However, like any other plant, Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is susceptible to various pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce its aesthetic value and even kill the plant if not managed properly.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is susceptible to is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora ochnae and typically affects the lower leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and develop brown spots. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed from the plant and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus. Additionally, applying a fungicide can help control the disease.
Another common disease that affects Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe communis and typically affects the upper leaves of the plant. The disease is characterized by the appearance of white or grayish powdery patches on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, affected leaves should be removed from the plant, and a fungicide should be applied to control the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is susceptible to is the mealybug. Mealybugs are tiny insects that often appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. The insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to weaken and become susceptible to diseases. To manage mealybugs, affected parts of the plant should be removed if possible, and a pesticide should be applied to control the insects.
Another common pest that affects Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg is the root-knot nematode. The nematode feeds on the roots of the plant, causing them to become swollen and distorted. As a result, the plant growth is stunted, and the plant may eventually die. To manage root-knot nematodes, crop rotation and soil fumigation can be effective control measures.
Proper cultural practices such as regular pruning, fertilization, and watering can help maintain the health of Ochna micrantha Schweinf. & Gilg and reduce its susceptibility to pests and diseases. Additionally, monitoring the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and taking prompt action can help prevent the spread of the problem and minimize the damage to the plant.
