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Boneseed | CW0005 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
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Introduction
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Distribution
Weed Dispersal
Birds, rabbits and foxes eat the fleshy fruit and spread the seeds in their droppings. Seed dispersal is also caused by ants. Dumped garden waste contributes to the spread of Boneseed.
Indigenous Look-a-likes
Hop Goodenia, Goodenia ovata
A weak shrub with thin, brown, erect stems, shiny, finely toothed leaves and 5-petalled, irregular (not daisy-like), bright yellow flowers mainly in spring to summer.
Common Boobialla, Myoporum insulare
Has fleshy, smooth, green leaves, sometimes toothed towards the tips. Small white flowers with purple spots occur from October to December. Berries are green-purple.
Identification
Form
SHRUB - Woody, perennial, much branched shrub, up to 3m high.
Leaf
Adult leaves are dull green, irregularly
toothed up to 7.5cm long with short stalks. Young leaves on seedlings are light green, large and oval with toothed edges, and covered with fine white hairs. |
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Flower
Short-stalked clusters of bright yellow flowers with 4-8 petals occur at the ends of branches. Flower diameter 2.5cm. Flowering time is July to October.
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Fruit
Spherical, green berry, 5mm diameter, which ripens to black. Up to 8 berries are produced per flowerhead. Each berry contains one seed which, when ripe, is hard and bone-like in colour and texture. |
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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 when flowering as the shrubs are easily seen, but before fruiting.
Boneseed has shallow roots, with no distinct tap root.
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Hand pull or dig out with a garden fork or mattock.
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Dense thickets of small plants can be sprayed with a suitable herbicide.
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Fire results in prolific seed germination, with almost no viable seed left in soil. hand pull seedlings soon after any fire in area.
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Hand pull or dig out with a garden fork or mattock.
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Alternatively, cut off at ground level with a saw or pruners.
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Immediately paint or spray the cut stump with herbicide to prevent regrowth. If using herbicide, paint or spray when plant is actively growing.
Three different Boneseed Beetles from South Africa have been released at sites in Victoria and their biological control effects are currently being monitored.
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Disposal
If shrubs are removed near the seeding stage, heap and burn them to prevent fertile seeds from developing, or seal in strong bags and take to the tip. Non-flowering shrubs can be left to decompose on the ground with their roots in the air.
Maintenance
Monitor site regularly for regrowth or new seedlings. Pull out seedlings. Cut and paint stumps or spray regrowth 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 Boneseed with appropriate indigenous plants. 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?
- Boneseed is listed as a noxious weed in Victoria except the metropolitan area. It is an invasive shrub and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation.
- Boneseed seeds heavily and spreads quickly, choking out indigenous vegetation.
- It rapidly colonises disturbed areas and thrives on poor soils.
- Seeds germinate throughout the year, but mostly in autumn.
- The shallow roots of boneseed make it relatively easy to pull out even large shrubs.
- Boneseed was first introduced to Victoria as a garden plant in 1858.
- Bitou Bush, Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata, a close relative of Boneseed, is a serious problem in the coastal dunes of NSW and Queensland and a potential threat to Coastal Victoria. This sprawling shrub has more rounded leaves, sometimes without teeth.
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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
- Costermans, L. (1984). Native Trees and Shrubs of South-eastern Australia. Weldon Publishing, NSW.
- Lamp, C. & Collett, F. (1989). Field guide to Weeds in Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Landcare Notes: Pest Plant Control, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Keith Turnbul ResearchInstitute, PP/011. Vic.
- Lane, DWA. (1976). Boneseed. Keith Turnbul Research Institute, Victoria.
- Parsons, WT & Cuthbertson, EG. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Robertson, M. (1994) Stop Bushland Weeds. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc., Adelaide.
- Weed Watch, Issue 1 (1995). Cooperative Research Centre for Weed Management Systems, Canberra.
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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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