A small tree, Ochna arborea (family Ochnaceae), of southern and eastern parts of South Africa, having smooth mottled bark and bright yellow flowers; (also) the hard, heavy wood of this tree, which is reddish in colour and used for fencing, tool handles, etc.; also called rooihout.
Origin
Late 19th century.
Definition of Cape plane in US English:
Cape plane
noun
A small tree, Ochna arborea (family Ochnaceae), of southern and eastern parts of South Africa, having smooth mottled bark and bright yellow flowers; (also) the hard, heavy wood of this tree, which is reddish in colour and used for fencing, tool handles, etc.; also called rooihout.