Ochna serratula Mickey Mouse Bush
Also known as Mall-leaved Plane, Carnival Ochna, Bird's-eye Bush and Mickey Mouse plant, this spectacular shrub turned out to be a South African species which has become invasive in New South Wales. Although a native of the forest areas from Cape Town to Kawazulu-Natal, the attractive red sepals on the fruit mean it has been planted in gardens in South Africa and so would be bound to do just as well in the climates of eastern Australia.
The flowers are actually yellow and the green berries eventually go black. This combination of bright red and black is supposed to remind us of Mickey Mouse. It is spread by birds and can be difficult to eradicate as small bits of root can re-sprout.
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| Ochna serratula Mickey Mouse Bush |
Bradley's Head bushland, near Sydney, Eastern Australia 20th October 2015
Added on 9th November 2015