North West Weeds 
Your local guide to local noxious weed control (NSW, Australia)
   

North West Weeds
ABN 16 052 158 879
Postal address:
20 Dinoga Street
BINGARA
NSW 2404

PRINT VERSION   Identification │ Effect on animals │ More info? │ Control methods │Using pesticides │Disclaimer

One of the reasons African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is so widely established since introduction into Australia is because it was originally promoted and grown as a hedge plant (photo, left, is a good example). A hardy plant, fast-growing, and covered in sharp thorns, African boxthorn made an effective boundary “fence” between properties in some areas in the early days of rural settlement. Its popularity as a garden plant is another reason why we continue to find boxthorn around towns and homesteads.

African boxthorn produces small, orange-red berries. Birds are very efficient at spreading the seeds over large areas. Photo, right, shows partly-eaten fruit.. 

Most seeds are dropped underneath trees by birds – the resultant seedling growth eventually becomes dense enough to take over the entire shaded area, denying shelter to livestock. These thick patches provide a perfect harbour for feral animals including rabbits, foxes and pigs.

THE PROBLEM
The problem with African boxthorn is its invasiveness. It takes over shaded areas first (as in the photo, left) and keeps spreading. It can seriously reduce a property’s stock-carrying capacity. And, the plants' sharp thorns have been known to damage the eyes of grazing animals, especially during dry times when the animals are chasing feed next to the plants.

IDENTIFICATION
African boxthorn grows to a height of around 3-4m. The plant takes on a bright green colour during its main growing period - May-September. Flowers are a creamy colour about 10mm in diameter. The ripe, red berries are about the size of “table peas”. The plant doesn’t usually start to produce fruit until two years old. Every limb is covered with sharp, strong spines growing to about 75mm long. Click on these photos for a closer look at fruit and sharp thorns...

MORE INFORMATION:
Noxious Plants of Australia, by Parsons & Cuthbertson. Inkata Press.

CONTROL METHODS
Mechanical removal and stacking of plants, using a tractor and blade, is an immediate way of cleaning up unsightly boxthorn infestations. (Note 1. plants are easier to remove i.e. more of the root system will come out if deep soil is moist and 2. always push the plants into heaps well away from desirable trees for subsequent burning - subject to fire restrictions of course). There will be seedlings and other regrowth from where the plants were - continue to remove or chemically treat new growth until plants eventually give up.

Chemical Options: There are a variety of herbicides available, but treatment should only be carried out when plants are actively growing. August/September are usually the best months in north west New South Wales – as long as the plants are NOT moisture-stressed (if leaves fall off when the plant is lightly tapped with a stick, it's too late!). Pushing large plants out of the ground first with a blade, as mentioned above, will reduce herbicide usage. Glyphosate is the herbicide most used for boxthorn. It doesn't pose a risk to the trees and if used at the right rate (NOT STRONGER THAN THE LABEL RECOMMENDATION), and if the WHOLE PLANT is sprayed, glyphosate will do a good job. If the herbicide is too strong, the plant will shut down before the chemical works its way through the root system...

According to NSW DPI’s excellent booklet “Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook 3rd Edition”, treatments for African boxthorn include:

IMPORTANT: USE OF PESTICIDES – ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Pesticides must only be used for the purpose for which they are registered and must not be used in any other situation or in any manner contrary to the directions on the label. Never use a herbicide in any way contrary to the label recommendations.

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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser.
LRT 19/10/02

Send mail to northwestweeds@aapt.net.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007-2013 Last modified: 23-Feb-2012 - North West Weeds