Ochna

• Erect, woody shrub up to about 1.5m tall.
• Leaves are alternate, narrow, glossy, up to 5cm long, with serrated margins.
• Flowers are bright yellow, 2-3cm across, 9-13mm long, with 5 petals.
• Fruits are 5-8mm long, initially green, turning glossy black in summer.
• Root is an angled taproot easily broken when hand-pulled (so plant easily reshoots).

• Prefers subtropical areas.
• Found along roadsides and in rainforests, riparian areas and disturbed areas.

• Commonly found in South East Queensland.

• Flowers mainly in spring and summer.

Environmental

• Invades bare areas of disturbed riparian habitat.

• Spread mainly by bird-dispersed seeds.
• Can also spread in dumped garden waste.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Hand-pulling can be most effective method of control for young seedlings.
• Take care not to break tap root.
• Larger plants may need to be grubbed out with mattock.

Herbicide control

• Herbicides are effective.

See the Ochna fact sheet (PDF, 802KB) for herbicide control and application rates.

• Ochna is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
• Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Ochna. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.