There has been considerable dispute about whether Ochrosia and Neisosperma are distinct genera. We are following the treatment by Hendrian in Revision of Ochrosia (Apocynaceae) in Malesia; Blumea 49: pp 101-128; 2004 - here they are treated as two sections of the genus Ochrosia[, ].

Common Name:

General Information

Ochrosia elliptica is an evergreen shrub or small tree usually growing 4 - 6 metres tall but sometimes reaching 12 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of beads. It is cultivated for its medicinal use in China. It is widely distributed as an ornamental, being valued for its startling bright red fruits and dense clusters of cream flowers that are produced throughout the year on an open spreading leafy canopy[].

Known Hazards

The sap is poisonous[].

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Queensland to the southwest Pacific (New Caledonia, Vanuatu)

Habitat

Along the seashore, on coral outcrops as well as sandy habitats[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in an open, sunny position, but also tolerates partial shade. It prefers a fertile, moist but well-drained loam that is rich in humus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is diuretic and purgative[].

An infusion of the bark is used as a febrifuge[]. It was used in the 19th century as a treatment for malaria[].

The latex is applied on bruises and cuts[].

The major alkaloids isolated from Ochrosia elliptica are ellipticine, elliptinine, 9-ellipticine, 9-methoxy-ellipticine and isoreserpiline, which are all of the indole type, derived from the amino acid tryptophan[].
Ellipticine and its derivatives possess anticancer properties against several experimental neoplasms as well as towards some human cancers[, ].

Other Uses

The attractive twinned seeds (known as 'baby's bottom because of their shape) are polished and worn as pendants[].

Propagation

Seed -
Ochrosia elliptica is usually propagated by seed but can also be propagated by ripe wood cuttings. Under glasshouse conditions in temperate climates ripe wood cuttings in early spring are rooted in moist sand in a closed case with bottom heat[].

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