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Description
Ochna Serrulata, also known as the Mickey Mouse plant, is a small evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It belongs to the Ochnaceae family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its striking yellow flowers and attractive black berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Ochnaceae |
| Genus | Ochna |
Appearance
Ochna Serrulata can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has glossy green leaves that are serrated and grow in a spiral pattern. The plant produces bright yellow flowers in the spring, which turn into black berries in the summer. The berries are the plant’s most distinctive feature, as they resemble Mickey Mouse ears.
Care Guide
Ochna Serrulata requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers partial shade in hot climates.- Hardiness Zones: Ochna Serrulata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ochna Serrulata is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. Use insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Use a fungicide to treat it.- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Ochna Serrulata is native to South Africa and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ochna Serrulata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is kept in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize Ochna Serrulata?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: Can Ochna Serrulata tolerate frost?
A: No, it is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I water Ochna Serrulata?
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ochna Serrulata:- Ochna Integerrima- Ochna Natalitia- Ochna Gamostigmata
References
– “Ochna Serrulata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c224. – “Ochna Serrulata.” PlantZAfrica, pza.sanbi.org/ochna-serrulata/. – “Ochna Serrulata.” World Agroforestry Centre, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Ochna_serrulata.PDF.
