Ochna integerrima


Ochna integerrima, popularly called yellow Mai flower, is a plant species in the genus Ochna and family Ochnaceae. In the wild, it is a small tree or shrub species. The timing of the yellow flowers of this plant make it very popular in southern Vietnam, where plants are purchased during Tết.
In Vietnam, the variety of O. integerrima whose flowers have five petals is called mai vàng, whereas mai núi flowers have between five and nine petals.
In Cambodia, it is called angkea, angkeasel, angkea loeung អង្គាលឿង or kongkea គង្គា.
Ochna integerrima is the provincial flower of Mukdahan province, Thailand.

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Raise

Ochna integerrima are hard to grow and also difficult to take care of. Farmers choose good seeds, soak them in water, and sow them in moist soil.
Ochna integerrima likes moist and light soil, cannot stand waterlogging. Therefore, it is necessary to grow Ochna integerrima in high places and water them regularly.
If growing in pots, pay attention to fertilizing and change the soil every year. To have a beautiful flower pot, we should often pay attention to cutting branches, bending branches, creating a posture to have unique shaped Ochna integerrima pots.

The legend of Ochna integerrima

Vietnamese people have a fairy tale about Ochna integerrima. The story is about a kind and brave girl. She fought a monster to protect the villagers. Unfortunately, she died after the battle. Her bravery touched the Gods. So, although she died, every New Year comes, she is revived to visit her family and her village for 9 days. When her parents died, she transformed into a flowering tree. Every time the New Year comes, the flowers bloom brightly like the yellow shirt she usually wears. That is Ochna integerrima.
Vietnamese people believe that, on Tet holiday, Ochna integerrima can banish ghosts throughout the year.