Ochna serrulata
Common name
Mickey Mouse plant
Family
Ochnaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Terrestrial. An urban weed of gardens and derelict building sites (Heenan et al 1999). Understorey and edge of forest. Also grown as an ornamental shrub. (T. McCluggage pers com.)
Detailed description
Hardy shrub to three metres. Green elliptic, sharply serrulate leaves to 65mm. Small yellow flowers. Round black fruit attractively displayed on red sepals. (T. McCluggage pers com.)
Flowering
September, October, November, December, January, February, March
Flower colours
Yellow
Fruiting
autumn
Life cycle
Perennial. Has a deep tap root which makes it almost impossible to remove manually. (T. McCluggage pers com.). Reproduces by seeds. Propagated by semi ripe cuttings. Probably bird-dispersed (Heenan et al 1999) Seeds spread by birds, water, gravity. (T. McCluggage pers com.)
Year naturalised
1997
Origin
South Africa
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Tolerances
Prefers semi shade of the understorey of forests where it forms a dense monoculture that prevents regeneration of native species. It tolerates wet soil but also withstands droughts. (T. McCluggage pers com.)
Etymology
serrulata: Rough edged
National Pest Plant Accord species
This plant is listed in the 2020 National Pest Plant Accord. The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is the most significant way of spreading the plant in New Zealand. For up to date information and an electronic copy of the 2020 Pest Plant Accord manual (including plant information and images) visit the MPI website.