Ochna serrulata aka Mickey Mouse Plant

Ochna serrulata belongs to the Ochnaceae family. Its common names include Mickey Mouse plant and carnival bush. Bird's eye bush is another name for this shrub. It comes from South Africa, including the eastern provinces. Its native habitats include woodland edges and areas within forests. It also grows on open, rocky slopes and in grassland. Kew places it in the subtropical climate zone. It grows as a shrub or tree. In gardens, it forms a small shrub with an open outline.

Garden plants reach about 4–8 feet [1.22–2.44 metres] tall. Their spread is about 3–4 feet [0.91–1.22 metres]. The loose branches give the plant a less dense form. Missouri Botanical Garden describes it as semi-evergreen in its account. Its listing also places it among deciduous shrubs. The leaves are glossy and green, with a narrow, oval shape. Small teeth line their edges. Leaves reach about 0.21 feet [0.064 metres] long. The foliage provides a green backdrop to the flowers.

Fragrant yellow flowers appear from spring into early summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists the bloom period as May to June. Flowers grow on short side branches. Each flower has five petals and many yellow stamens. The petals fall soon after the flowers open. The floral receptacle and five sepals then swell and redden. This change brings a second stage of colour after flowering. The red calyx adds to the display. Both the flowers and fruit have value for garden display. The plant also attracts birds.

Grow this frost-tender shrub in USDA zones 9–11. It accepts full sun or a site with part shade. Its listed water need is moderate. Missouri Botanical Garden gives its maintenance needs as low. Gardeners can raise new plants from seeds or cuttings. The evidence gives no soil preference or pruning schedule. Frost sensitivity remains an important limit on outdoor planting. The hardiness range applies to places where plants can survive winter.

Gardeners use it as a specimen or an accent plant. They also grow it as a hedge, though less often. Its showy flowers and fruit support these garden uses. It can become invasive, so its spread deserves attention. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. The supplied sources do not establish edibility or toxicity.