Mickey Mouse

Description:

The Mickey Mouse Plant or "Ochna serrulata" is a shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. Its leaves have a shiny green appearance, with margins that are finely serrated, and can grow up to 5 centimeters long. Its flowers can grow up to 4 centimeters long, have five yellow petals, and will turn into red fruits (StuartXchange, 2019).

Habitat:

This plant is native to South Africa. Despite being utilized as an ornamental plant here in the Philippines, it is considered an invasive species in some parts of New Zealand and Australia (StuartXchange, 2019).

Notes:

The term Ochna comes from the Greek word Ochne, which means “wild pear”. On the other hand, the term serrulata comes from the Latin word serrula, which means ‘little saw”. This pertains to its finely serrated leaves (StuartXchange, 2019). The common name “Mickey Mouse Plant” was coined by the gardeners who sold the plant in its potted form. After some time, the plant became a symbol of good luck, specifically believed to be a lucky charm for financial prosperity to the owners.