Ochrosia elliptica (Bloodhorn)

Ochrosia elliptica (Bloodhorn) red fruit dangling near smooth green leaves, captured in a close up

Botanical name: Ochrosia elliptica

Common names: Bloodhorn, Mangrove Ochrosia

Family: Apocynaceae

Origin: Australia

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant form: Small tree

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: White and off-white

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage color: Ornamental foliage

Irritating or toxic: Toxic plant/plant part

Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Ochrosia elliptica, commonly known as Kopsia or Elliptic Ochrosia, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree in the Apocynaceae family native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It typically grows 10 to 20 ft tall, forming a dense, rounded crown with smooth gray bark and glossy, elliptic dark green leaves arranged in clusters near the ends of branches. Fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers appear in clusters, followed by paired, elongated fruits that ripen to bright red, adding ornamental contrast to the foliage.

This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, with moderate watering once established. Growth rate is moderate in warm climates. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Ochrosia elliptica performs well in coastal and tropical landscapes and can be maintained in large containers while young. All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested.