Family: Ochnaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Ochna integerrima, commonly known as Vietnamese mickey-mouse plant, is a flowering shrub or small tree native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, ranging from Assam and southern China to Peninsular Malaysia. It is valued for its bright yellow flowers, glossy green leaves, and distinctive red sepals that hold shiny black fruits resembling the face of Mickey Mouse. This ornamental species is especially popular in gardens and landscapes for its colorful display and is widely cultivated in Vietnam and neighboring regions as a decorative plant, particularly during festive celebrations.

Risks & Threats
Although Ochna integerrima is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Ornamental plants with attractive fruits may be spread by birds and other animals, increasing the potential for escape from cultivation into natural areas. Its adaptability to tropical and subtropical climates similar to Hawaii also raises questions about its long-term invasive potential. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could negatively impact Hawaii’s native ecosystems or become problematic in the future.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Environmental versatility (elevation range exceeds 1000 m)
  
• Related Ochna species can be highly invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and possibly by water

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness have been documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Slow growth rate and long time to maturity
  
• Relatively large fruit and seeds unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed
  
• Seed viability is relatively short (will not form a persistent seed bank)