How to eradicate Red Ochna in South-East Queensland
Red Ochna Alert (Ochna serrulata). A Significant Environmental Weed in South East Queensland
The Ochna serrulata, commonly known as the Mickey Mouse Plant or Red Ochna is a highly invasive environmental weed across South-East Queensland’s diverse native ecosystems.
Due its attractive flowers, sepals and fruit, Red Ochna unfortunately continues to find a safe home in the hidden corners of SEQ gardens and properties. Many homeowners, especially those in suburan areas, don’t know Red Ochna growing in their backyard continues to degrade and damage vital rainforest and bushland across SEQ.
How to ID Red Ochna (Ochna Serrulata)
Once you positively ID your first Red Ochna, you will not able to unsee it. You will set it everywhere across Brisbane and South-East Queensland. In backyards, on farms, in national parks and state forests, and growing behind your local nursery.
Fruit. Shiny black berries (up to 10) clustered on a swollen, bright red base. Looks like Mickey Mouse. This is the Primary ID feature for this plant.
Woody shrub, typically 1–4 metres high.Forms dense thickets
Leaves. Dark green, glossy, leathery, and finely toothed/serrated margins.
Red Ochna's Impact in South East Queensland
Ochna serrulata is one of the most significant invasive shrubs in the region.
Red Ochna is extremely hardy, establishing readily in disturbed and undisturbed areas, including riparian habitats (creeks, streams and riverbanks, dry and wet rainforests, and sclerophyll forests).
Once established, the Red Ochna easily forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation and prevents the growth of native understory plants.
The seeds are a favourite of common bird species meaning that seed spread can be rapid. This is why removing Red Ochna from your backyard garden or anywhere on your property is so important.
Birds will take the seed from the Ochna plant growing in your Tarragindi backyard, fly into Toohey forest and drop that seed for it to establish quckly.
How to control and remove Red Ochna in South-East Queensland
While Ochna serrulata is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (QLD), all landowners have a General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) to minimise the risks posed by invasive plants under their control.
Recommended Control Methods:
Manual Removal (For Small Plants):
Seedlings/Small Plants (under 10cm): Carefully dig out the entire plant, ensuring you remove as much of the tap root as possible.
Avoid hand-pulling larger plants as the tap root often breaks, leading to vigorous regrowth.
Chemical Control (For Larger Plants):
Cut-Stump or Scrape and Paint: This is the most effective method for established shrubs.
Action: Cut the trunk about 15cm from the ground or scrape the stem. Immediately apply an appropriate concentration of Glyphosate herbicide (e.g., 1 part glyphosate to 1.5 parts water) to the cut/scraped surface.
Follow-Up: Ochna is notoriously resilient. Follow-up control is critical. Treat any new shoots with herbicide as soon as they appear.
Prevention:
Do not plant Ochna serrulata in your garden.
Remove all plants before they produce fruit (typically within three years of germination) to limit further bird-dispersed seed spread.
For specific local requirements and advice, always contact your local SEQ Council (e.g., Brisbane City Council, Logan City Council, Gold Coast City Council, or Sunshine Coast), Biosecurity Queensland, or a local qualified and professional bush regeneration contractor.
