Mangrove Ochrosia, Red Berrywood
Ochrosia elliptica

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub with a spreading habit. It grows 3-8 m tall. The young plant parts are shiny. The leaves grow in rings of three around the stalk. The leaves are 8-20 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. They are dark green, shiny and leathery. The flower are short and in the angles of upper leaves. They are 0.8 cm long, have a scent and are white. The fruit are large and colourful. They are 3-6 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are bright red and pointed. Fruit are poisonous. Seeds are about 1 cm across, round and with a wing along them.

It is used in medicine. There are 21 Ochrosia species. It contains many alkaloids.

Where it is found

It is a tropical rainforest plant. It grows amongst mangrove and coastal scrub. They cannot tolerate frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-11. It is salt tolerant. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), China, Fiji, Hawaii, Lord Howe Island, New Caledonia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, USA, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

CAUTION: Sap of leaves and fruit considered poisonous.

Edible parts

Poisonous, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. Seedlings are slow to get established. Plants can be grown from cuttings.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bloodhorn, Kopsia, Pokosola, Scarlet wedge-apple, Twin plum

Synonyms

Bleekeria elliptica (Labill.) Koidz.; Ochrosia noumeensis Baill. ex Guillaumin; Ochrosia parviflora G. Don; and others