Weeds
Ochna (Ochna serrulata)
Also known as: Mickey mouse plant.
Ochna is a hardy, 2m high evergreen shrub. It is a significant environmental weed in south-east Qld, Sydney and Lord Howe Island. Removal is made difficult due to the extended taproot. Native to South Africa.
Profile
How does this weed affect you?
It is a significant environmental weed in south-east QLD, Sydney and Lord Howe Island. Ochna is a very hardy plant and often re-sprouts after mechanical and chemical control. Follow-up control is a critical element in its management.
How does it spread?
The seeds of Ochna are bird dispersed, allowing it to be readily dispersed from garden plantings into nearby bushland. It is also dispersed by dumping of clippings.
What does it look like?
Ochna is an evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall. It produces berries that turn green to black. Crown of black berries surrounded by red “petals” occurring in autumn. Yellow flowers in spring.
Control
Removal is made difficult due to the extended taproot.
Hand removal
Hand pull or dig seedlings.
Stem scrape
Scrape one side of the stem to expose the growing layer. Immediately apply glyphosate-based herbicide to the scrape.