Ochna serrulata

9.9

An evergreen bush from southern Africa with shiny narrow leaves and bright yellow flowers

noun

South African

: Ochna serrulata

Gardeners often plant Ochna serrulata for its ornamental value and glossy foliage.

Examples

During spring, the Ochna serrulata bursts into distinctive yellow blooms followed by red and black fruits.
The Ochna serrulata in our garden attracts many butterflies with its bright yellow flowers.
The Ochna serrulata is known for its unique yellow flowers.
Have you seen the Ochna serrulata blooming in the garden?
During spring, the Ochna serrulata bursts into distinctive yellow blooms that brighten any garden.
Gardeners often plant Ochna serrulata because of its attractive glossy leaves and vibrant yellow flowers.
The Ochna serrulata in our garden attracts many butterflies with its stunning yellow flowers in full blossom.

Synonyms

bird's-eye bush

vsOchna serrulata

9.9

A small evergreen shrub with narrow shiny leaves and yellow flowers

focuses on native origin and common name rather than the sepals

Surface Forms

Ochna serrulata singular

Ochna serrulatas plural

Morphology

Ochna + serrulata

The phrase is a Linnaean binomial: 'Ochna' is given as a plant genus, so a learner who knows that convention can infer this refers to a species of Ochna (i.e. a plant). However, the specific sense and properties of 'serrulata' are not recoverable from the constituents for a B1 learner (it is a Latin species epithet and not a common English word), so the exact meaning is not fully predictable without prior exposure or knowledge of taxonomic naming.

Etymology

Ochna serrulata is often called the 'Mickey Mouse plant' because after its yellow flowers it makes bright red sepals that hold shiny black seeds, and the red-and-black look makes a tiny 'face'. That's why the name helps you remember the shrub's bright flowers and red-and-black fruit.