Ochrosia compta
K. Schum.
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(c) mykle hoban, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by mykle hoban
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Mike Ross, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Kyhl Austin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A small tree. It grows 3-10 m tall. The leaves are 10-15 cm long and 5 cm wide. There are 2-4 leathery leaves growing from each node. The sap is milky. The flowers are yellow and in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit are 2.5 cm long and pointed. They are yellow to purple when ripe.
Edible Uses
The seeds are eaten.
Traditional Uses
Seeds are eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
The sap is highly toxic.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Hawaii, Pacific, USA,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from fresh seed.
Propagation
Seed - untreated fresh seed has germinated within 2 weeks. The germination rate ranges from 5 - 10%.
Other Uses
A yellow dye is obtained from the bark and roots. It is used for colouring clothes, especially those make from tapas cloth.
Synonyms
References (1)
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 359
