Ochnaceae

Mickey Mouse bush

 

OCHNACEAE

DC.

pronounced: ock-NAY-see-eye

the Mickey Mouse bush family

The name is derived from the Greek οχνη (ochné), a wild pear – the type genus has leaves similar in appearance to those of the wild pear. Members of the family usually have thick shiny simple alternate leaves with closely parallel lateral veins and obvious stipules. The flowers usually have 5 each of petals and sepals, and elongated anthers. Most plants of the family are found in the tropical woodlands of Africa, the Mascarene Islands, Madagascar and Asia and most of them are trees and shrubs, although there are a few herbs.

 

 


Photograph © Donald Simpson 2009