Mickey Mouse Bush / Ochna Ochna serrulata

Mickey Mouse Bush / Ochna
Ochna serrulata
This weed is declared noxious in many local councils across Sydney.
Always check the declaration and control requirements for your own local council area at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/noxweed
R. Gleeson
D. Wilks
R. Gleeson
What does it look like?
Reference andcontrols
Where does it grow?
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• Small, erect woody shrub up to about 1.5m tall
• Leaves are up to 5cm long, narrow and glossy with
serrated margins. New growth usually has a bronze tinge
• Flowers are bright yellow with five petals. These petals
fall off, leaving five sepals which turn scarlet red when
the fruits appear
• Fruits are initially green, turning glossy black in summer
• The red sepals and black fruit look a little bit like Mickey
Mouse hence the name
Dry sclerophyll forests and riparian areas throughout most
of coastal southeast Australia.
General information on control methods, can be found
in the most recent edition of the annual Noxious and
Environmental Weed Control Handbook (found on the DPI
website). The most appropriate weed control methods
should always be checked with your Local Control
Authority (local council or county council).
WEEDeck from www.sainty.com.au
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
www.sydneyweeds.org.au
www.aabr.org.au
How does it spread?
Birds and animals forage on the fruit and spread the seed
through droppings.
How does it affect the environment?
Ochna can dominate the understorey of dry sclerophyll
forest and riparian vegetation throughout most of coastal
southeast Australia.
© Copyright 2012 Sydney Weeds Committees. All rights reserved.