Large-flowered ochna
Ochna atropurpurea

Family: Ochnaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The bark is pale brown and rough. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 7-23 cm long. They are leathery. There are fine teeth along the edges. The leaf stalk is stout and swollen. The flowers are in branched heads. They are 2.5-3.5 cm across and bright yellow. The fruit are fleshy and in groups of 3-5. They are purple and have bright red lobes around them.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on sandy soils and often amongst rocks. It grows in the lowlands. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, SE Asia, Tanzania, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cana-cana, Kafunyaki, Kwarula, Mai do, Mondora, Muhongo, Rehje

Synonyms

Ochna mossambicensis Klotzsch;