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Boxthorn | CW0009 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
Introduction
Botanical Name: Lycium ferocissimum
Family: Solanaceae
Origin: South Africa
Distribution
Weed Dispersal
Previously planted as windbreaks and stock shelter on farms. Birds and foxes feed on the fruit and spread seed through their droppings.
Caution
Beware of large sharp spines. Wear protective clothing.
Indigenous Look-a-likes
Sweet Bursaria, Bursaria spinosa
Has fine needle-like thorns, non-fleshy leaves and masses of creamy scented flowers (Nov-Feb), grouped at branch ends. Seeds are in brown purse-like capsules.
Identification
Form
SHRUB - rounded, woody, densely branched and very thorny shrub up to 4 metres high.
Leaf
Smooth, bright green, fleshy, short stalked, 2.5 x 2cm, occur in clusters. |
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Spines
Large spines up to 15cm long, occur on the main stems with smaller spines on sides and ends of branches. |
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Flower
Small, scented, white flowers with purple markings, occur singly or in pairs. Main flowering time is October to March, but can flower at other times.
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Fruit
Orange-red, shiny berry containing numerous tiny seeds. Berry approx 1cm in diameter. |
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Management
Permission should be sought from the land manager before any weed control is undertaken.
Removal methods
Remove small and scattered plants first and then target outer edges of larger infestations. Best removed before main fruiting time.
Boxthorn has a deep extensive root system.
Small Plants
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Hand pull or grub out, removing all roots as Boxthorn can produce regrowth from broken root pieces, left in the ground.
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Large Established Plants
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Pull or lift out with suitable machinery.
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Alternatively, cut off at ground level with a saw or long handled pruners and:
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grub out roots with a mattock or similar, or
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immediately paint or spray the cut stump or any pieces of broken root with a suitable herbicide to prevent regrowth. If using herbicide, paint or spray when plant is actively growing.
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Disposal
Ideally, stack and burn dead Boxthorn as it takes a long time to break down and continues to provide safe harbour for rabbits.
Maintenance
Mulch sites, where feasible, to reduce seedling regrowth. Monitor sites regularly for several years for regrowth or new seedlings. Pull out seedlings. Cut and paint or spray regrowth from stumps or roots with herbicide.
Life Cycle
The life cycle may vary according to seasons and site conditions such as soil type, aspect and location.
Replacement Plants
Replace Boxthorn with appropriate indigenous plants that provide food and shelter for small native animals. Encourage indigenous plant regeneration. Seek advice from you local indigenous nursery or your NRE Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator.
Herbicide Recommendations
- Always consider manual weed removal methods before herbicide treatments, to avoid the unnecessary introduction of herbicides into the natural environment.
- Information on up-to-date herbicide treatment is available from herbicide companies.
- Users of herbicides should read the label fully, follow directions carefully and ensure that correct precautions and procedures are applied. To do otherwise is at the user’s own risk.
- It is advisable for at least one member of any environment group to have undertaken an approved chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses.
Did you know?
- Boxthorn is also known as African Boxthorn.
- Boxthorn is listed as a noxious weed in Victoria except the metropolitan area. Existing hedges not exceeding 2m in height and 1m in width are exempt.
- Boxthorn is an invasive shrub and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation.
- it provides excellent cover for feral animals, especially rabbits which burrow under the clumps.
- Boxthorn seeds may germinate at any time of the year and quickly develop a deep extensive root system.
- Boxthorn plants do not flower until they are at least two years old.
- In some areas Boxthorn is deciduous with new leaves produced in Spring.
- When removing large infestations, consider a staged approach in conjunction with revegetation as small native animals may use Boxthorn for food and shelter.
Success Story!
Friends of Mud Islands have successfully removed large infestations of Boxthorn from Mud Islands over a four year period.
Feedback
New information is vital. Please inform your local DNRE Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator of your weed management results.
References
- Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., Robinson, K.E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Department to Natural Resources and Environment, & Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Lamp, C. & Collett, F. (1989) Field Guide to Weeds in Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Northcote City Council Parks and Gardens, & Yarra Bend Trust, Melbourne.
- Parsons, W.T. & Cuthbertson, E.G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Robertson, M. (1994). Stop Bushland Weeds. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc., Adelaide.
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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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