Ochnaceae - Botanical Family

Ochna integerrima, commonly known as Mickey Mouse Plant, is a tropical shrub or small tree in the Ochnaceae family native to Southeast Asia. It typically grows 6 to 12 ft tall, forming a branching crown with glossy, elliptic leaves that emerge bronze-red before maturing to deep green. Bright yellow, five-petaled flowers appear in late winter to spring, followed by distinctive fruiting structures in which enlarged red sepals support several shiny black fruits, creating a striking color contrast.

This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Growth rate is moderate under warm conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Ochna integerrima can be grown in containers when young but is most often used as a landscape plant in frost-free regions, where it is valued for its seasonal color display.

O. integerrima differs by having wider leaves with bristle-bearing margins rather than sharp teeth of narrow-leaved O. serrulata.

Hybrid variety Ochna Alba (Vietnamese name 'Bach Mai' meaning literally 'White Ochna') is very rare and does not produce seeds.

Read more about this plant.

This plant has beautiful fragrant yellow flowers in spring) and very attractive fruits. These are shiny black and berry-like, suspended below bright-red sepals in a way that resembles the face of Mickey Mouse, hence the common name Mickey Mouse bush. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The ripe fruits are eaten by birds. Leaves with sharp teeth are long and narrow, unlike another variety, Ochna integerrima, which leaves are more oval and smooth.

Ouratea theophrasta is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and can be used in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover.