Ochna holstii

Ochna holstii is an evergreen medium to large sized tree belonging to the family Ochnaceae.

Description
Ochna holstii mostly grows as a tree but occasionally grows as a shrub, as a tree it can reach a height of 27 m but when shrubby it tends to be between 1.5 to 3 m tall. The bark is greyish to brown in color while the slash is pinkish turning reddish when exposed, stems are dark grey and lenticellate. Leaves have a papery texture and they tend to have stipules that can reach 15 mm in length, petioles reach 3 mm in length. Leaflets are oblanceolate to elliptic in outline with a toothed margin, they can reach up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide, the apex of leaflets tend to be acute to acuminate while the base is cuneate. The inflorescence is arranged in raceme form with 5-20 pale yellow flowers and long pedicels that can reach to 4 cm long.

Distribution
Occurs in East and Southern Africa from Ethiopia southwards to South Africa. Commonly found in afromontane forests, rain forest and upland grasslands.

Uses
Wood of Ochna holstii is used in making tool handles, in joinery and in furniture, it is also used in interior work and construction.