| Ochna | |
|---|---|
| Ochna serrulata | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Ochnaceae |
| Genus: | Ochna L. |
| Species | |
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See text. |
|
Ochna is a genus comprising 86 species of evergreen trees, shrubs and shrublets belonging to the family Ochnaceae. These species are native to tropical woodlands of Africa or Asia. Species of this genus are usually called Ochnas or Mickey-mouse plants, a name coming from the shape of the drupelet fruit. The name of this genus comes from Greek Ochne, a word used by Homer and meaning wild pear.
Some species, especially Ochna serrulata (bird's eye plant), are widely cultivated as a decorative plant.
Species of this genus are found in the Old World Tropics, especially in Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands and Asia.