Ochna

Ochna
Ochna serrulata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Ochnaceae
Subfamily: Ochnoideae
Tribe: Ochneae
Subtribe: Ochninae
Genus: Ochna
L., 1753
Species

79; see text

Synonyms
  • Biramella Tiegh. (1903)
  • Campylochnella Tiegh. (1902)
  • Diporidium H.L.Wendl. (1825)
  • Diporochna Tiegh. (1902)
  • Discladium Tiegh. (1902)
  • Heteroporidium Tiegh. (1902)
  • Jabotapita Adans. (1763), nom. superfl.
  • Monoporidium Tiegh. (1902)
  • Ochnella Tiegh. (1902)
  • Pentochna Tiegh. (1907)
  • Philomeda Noronha ex Thouars (1806)
  • Pleodiporochna Tiegh. (1903)
  • Pleopetalum Tiegh. (1903)
  • Polyochnella Tiegh. (1902)
  • Polythecium Tiegh. (1902), nom. illeg.
  • Porochna Tiegh. (1902)
  • Proboscella Tiegh. (1903)

Ochna is a genus comprising 79 species of evergreen trees, shrubs and shrublets belonging to the flowering plant family Ochnaceae. These species are native to tropical woodlands of Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarenes and Asia. Species of this genus are usually called ochnas, bird's-eye bushes or Mickey-mouse plants, a name derived from the shape of the drupelet fruit. The name of this genus comes from the Greek word ὄχνη (ókhnē), used by Theocritus and meaning "wild pear", as the leaves are similar in appearance. Some species, including Ochna integerrima (yellow Mai flower) and O. serrulata (bird's eye plant), are cultivated as decorative plants.