Ochna serrulata Walp., commonly called Mickey Mouse Plant, Carnival Bush or Bird’s-Eye Bush is a tropical, woody shrub or bush, native to South Africa.

Ochna serrulata belongs to the wild plane family (Ochnaceae) and got its funny name, Mickey Mouse Plant, because of the sepals, which turn bright red in colour, whilst the fruit is developed and the flower is gone. The short-living, fragrant flowers are bright yellow (see image below) and get a size of about 2-3 cm. As the bush has been brought to other tropical countries, it escaped cultivation and became an invasive species, especially in eastern Australia (New South Wales, Queensland) and is listed on the National Pest Plant Accord in New Zealand, which prohibits its sale, propagation and distribution. Mickey Mouse plants can reach heights up to 3 meters. Flowering period: Spring - Summer. The small fruits, which are highly attractive to birds, get a length of about 5-8 mm and whilst come to maturity, they turn from green to black. The Mickey Mouse plant is hardy until freezing temperatures of about -3-4 ° C and considered as an easy to care plant. It grows well in full sun, but also in a shady location.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Mickey Mouse Plant (Ochna serrulata)

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Mickey Mouse Plant (Ochna serrulata)