Overview
Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips, also known as the Peeling plane or Carnival Ochna, is a small tree or shrub species in the Ochnaceae family. This plant is endemic to South Africa and can be found growing in most provinces in the country.
Common Names
The plant has numerous common names, including the Peeling plane, Carnival Ochna, African plane tree, Ochna, and African ochna.
Appearance
Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips can grow up to a height of 6-8 meters tall and 4 meters wide. The plant has a dense and spreading growth habit and bears beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The fruits of the plant are small, black, and berry-like.
Uses
The Carnival Ochna is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. The bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and pain. The plant's edible fruits are used in the production of jams and jellies.
In summary, Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips, commonly known as the Peeling plane or Carnival Ochna, is a small tree or shrub species that is endemic to South Africa. This plant bears beautiful yellow flowers, edible fruits, and has traditional medicinal uses. The plant is also an ornamental tree species used to beautify gardens and parks.Light Requirements
Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips requires full sunlight to thrive. Partial shade should only be considered if the plant is grown in areas with extremely high temperatures. These conditions allow the plant to produce dark green leaves that provide enough energy for flowering and fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can only be grown in locations with temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. It cannot survive in areas with temperatures below 0°C or above 35°C. Temperatures within this range encourage healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting. In areas where temperatures are too high, occasional watering may be necessary to help the plant cope with the dry conditions.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips. The soil should be acidic and rich in organic matter. The pH level should range between 5.0 and 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Watering the plant consistently is recommended, but if the soil is too salty or contains a lot of clay, then the plant will need less watering. Mulching is also recommended to ensure the soil retains moisture and nutrients.
Cultivation
Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips, commonly known as the Carnival Ochna, is a plant that prefers warm temperatures and fertile, well-drained soil to thrive. Ideally, it should be planted in a location that enjoys full sun or has partial shade. The best time to plant the Carnival Ochna is in early spring when the weather is warm and the danger of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Watering the Carnival Ochna requires a bit of attention. It should be watered regularly to promote healthy growth but not over-watered to avoid waterlogging, as this can affect the plant's development. During the first summer after planting, it's advisable to water the plant every week to help establish its root system in the soil. After that, you can reduce the watering frequency to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Carnival Ochna is critical to provide it with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Generally, it's recommended to use a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. The fertilizer should contain equal proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). It's also advisable to add a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base of the plant every spring to help maintain soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning promotes healthy growth, rejuvenation, and stimulates flowering in the Carnival Ochna. Ideally, you should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning will remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches, and encourage a more balanced growth pattern. You should also cut back the plant by two-thirds of its previous year's growth to encourage a more vigorous and bushy growth pattern. When pruning, use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading infections.
Propagation of Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips
Ochna pretoriensis E.Phillips, commonly known as the "Pretoria Plane," is propagated through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation through seeds requires patience and careful monitoring. Collect mature, ripe berries of the plant and remove the fleshy pulp. Wash the seeds and dry them out on a piece of paper towel. Once dry, plant the seeds about 1cm deep in a mixture of peat and sand or a well-draining soil medium. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and in a warm environment with adequate sunlight. It may take some time for the seeds to germinate, and the success rate may vary.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is a common and effective method. Take 8-10 cm long stem cuttings just below the node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil medium. Keep the soil moist and in a warm environment with adequate sunlight. The cuttings should root in about 2-3 months. Once rooted, transfer them to a bigger pot or the desired area in the garden.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a simple and natural method. Select a healthy, flexible stem that is close to the ground and scrape out some bark about 5 cm from the tip. Dust rooting hormone powder on the scraped area and peg it down into a shallow trench with a U-shaped wire. Cover the trench with soil, leaving the tip of the stem exposed. Keep the soil moist and check the progress regularly. Once roots have formed, the shoot can be separated from the parent plant and planted in the desired area in the garden.
Disease Management
Ochna pretoriensis is susceptible to various diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Root rot is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soils. The affected plant might show signs of yellowing leaves which eventually drop off. Leaf spots or blight appear as black or brown spots on leaves, which can also lead to leaf drop. Powdery mildew is characterized by greyish-white powdery patches on the leaves or stems of the plant.
Good cultural practices can prevent most fungal diseases. Adequate air circulation, proper plant spacing, and the removal of infected plant debris can minimize the spread of diseases. Avoid overhead watering that allows water to stand on leaves, which promotes the growth of fungal spores. Using proper watering techniques will help prevent root rot
For severe cases, apply a fungicide, especially on the affected parts of the plant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for best results.
Pest Management
Ochna pretoriensis is also susceptible to several pests, including scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Scale insects can often be seen on the leaves as small round bumps, while mealybugs can be spotted as white cotton-like balls on the leaves. Aphids and spider mites are characterized by webbing on the plant.
Remove scale insects and mealybugs by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. Prune away heavily infested parts of the plant. For further control, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to affected plants, but avoid using them during the plant's blooming period. Apply insecticides only when necessary, as beneficial insects may be destroyed along with the pests.
Spider mites and aphids are most effectively controlled using a strong blast of water on the foliage. This method will wash off the spider mites and aphids and also help in dislodging their webbing. Repeat this method until the infestation is eliminated or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, spiders, or lacewings can be released onto the plants to control the pests.
