Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Santalales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
ovata
ID:
717809

Status:
valid

Authors:
Benth.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1851

Citation Micro:
Hooker's J. Bot. Kew Gard. Misc. 3: 366 (1851)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000717142

Common Names

  • Heisteria ovata
  • Oval-Leaved Heisteria
  • Heisteria

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Synonyms

  • Rhaptostylum flexuosum Kuntze [unknown]
  • Rhaptostylum ovatum Kuntze [unknown]
  • Heisteria crassifolia Mart. ex Engl. [unknown]
  • Heisteria flexuosa Engl. [unknown]
  • Heisteria rubricalyx S.Moore [unknown]
  • Heisteria krukovii A.C.Sm. [unknown]
  • Heisteria subsessilis Benth. [unknown]
  • Heisteria micrantha Huber [unknown]
  • Heisteria vageleri Burret [unknown]
  • Heisteria surinamensis Amshoff in Pulle [unknown]

Description

Heisteria ovata (also called African Olive, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa. It grows to a height of 6-15 m and has a single, erect trunk. Its leaves are elliptic and its flowers are white or yellowish-white. It grows in woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands.

Uses & Benefits

Heisteria ovata has been used in traditional medicine for treating fever, colds, and stomach aches. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of fuelwood.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Heisteria ovata are pink, with five petals and a short, straight pistil. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are thin and spindly.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Heisteria ovata is a shrub native to Central and South America. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to 0°C. It is best grown in a sheltered spot in the garden.

Where to Find Heisteria ovata

Heisteria ovata is native to Central America and can be found in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Heisteria ovata FAQ

What is the scientific name of Heisteria ovata?

Heisteria ovata

What is the common name of Heisteria ovata?

Heisteria

What is the natural habitat of Heisteria ovata?

Tropical and subtropical forests

Species in the Heisteria genus

Species in the Olacaceae family

Anacolosa casearioides, Anacolosa cauliflora, Anacolosa clarkii, Anacolosa crassipes, Anacolosa densiflora, Anacolosa frutescens, Anacolosa glochidiiformis, Anacolosa griffithii, Anacolosa ilicoides, Anacolosa insularis, Anacolosa lutea, Anacolosa papuana, Anacolosa pervilleana, Anacolosa poilanei, Anacolosa uncifera, Aptandra caudata, Aptandra liriosmoides, Aptandra tubicina, Aptandra zenkeri, Brachynema axillare, Brachynema ramiflorum, Cathedra acuminata, Cathedra bahiensis, Cathedra grandiflora, Cathedra paraensis, Cathedra rubricaulis, Chaunochiton angustifolium, Chaunochiton kappleri, Chaunochiton loranthoides, Coula edulis, Curupira tefeensis, Diogoa retivenia, Diogoa zenkeri, Douradoa consimilis, Engomegoma gordonii, Erythropalum scandens, Harmandia mekongensis, Heisteria acuminata, Heisteria amazonica, Heisteria asplundii, Heisteria barbata, Heisteria blanchetiana, Heisteria citrifolia, Heisteria coccinea, Heisteria concinna, Heisteria costaricensis, Heisteria cyathiformis, Heisteria densifrons, Heisteria duckei, Heisteria insculpta,

References