Italian buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) Fact sheet ǀ 2017

What do they look like?

Rhamnus is a large evergreen shrub that grows up to 5m Rhamnus produces large quantities of berries that are high. It has oval shaped leaves 2-8 cm long that are dark spread by birds, ants and wildlife via their scats. It can also glossy green and leathery in texture. The leaves have spread via suckering, dumped garden waste, or seeds serrated edges and form singularly along each stem at transported in soil. differing heights. It forms light yellow-green flowers with five petals from August to September, which become bright red berries. The egg shaped berries range in size from 5- 7mm in diameter and turn black or brown as they ripen over summer. Seed production has been reported as variable with fruit production estimated at approximately 11,000 berries per plant.

Rhamnus grows quickly and easily from seed, which tend to germinate in autumn or spring.

When left, it can form dense thickets, which become difficult to control. It grows quickly, easily forming dense shade and can out compete and eventually suppress native plant life.

What are my responsibilities?

Rhamnus is a serious environmental weed that invades our native bushland. In January 2015 it was declared plant under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 for the whole

of South Australia. This means that the movement or transport of Rhamnus on a public road and the sale of the Why should Rhamnus be controlled? Italian Buckthorn is prohibited. Natural Resources authorities on the Eyre Peninsula require land managers to Originating from the Mediterranean, Rhamnus has become control Rhamnus plants growing on their land. an environmental weed throughout Australia. Originally planted in gardens as a hedging plant but has since escaped into the bush. Rhamnus can grow in a variety of soil types, including sand dunes, escarpments and wetlands. Rhamnus is an extremely hardy species and will grow in full sun, or partial to full shade.

Mechanical control

Small plants and seedlings can be pulled from the ground eliminating chemical use. You must ensure that the whole root is removed to prevent reshooting.

What are the best ways to control Rhamnus?

Rhamnus can be controlled in a number of ways depending on their size. Any plants with mature fruit should be removed from site and disposed of in deep burial or via burning to minimise seedling germination. Follow up control is essential for all methods as plants can re-shoot and seedlings may appear.

Grow me instead Chemical control Rhamnus can be replaced with the native species Cockies Basal bark: Basal barking is the preferred method of control. Tongue (Templetonia retusa) or Sea Box (Alyxia buxifolia). It involves completely saturating the trunk and any branches protruding from the trunk with chemical to a height of at Further information least 30 cm above ground level. The bark should be If you think you have Rhamnus on your property, Natural thoroughly sprayed and wet on all sides to point of runoff. Resources Eyre Peninsula can provide advice and assistance Triclopyr 600g/l & Diesel 1:30L should be used for treatment for its control and management. (as per APVMA permit).

Foliar spray: Plants can be controlled via foliar spray but all stems and leaves will need to be treated. A glyphosate + Contact us metsulfuron-methyl + good wetting agent can be used for Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula effective results, but requires large amounts of chemical to Ground floor, 86 Tasman Tce, Port Lincoln SA 5606 ensure coverage of whole plant. This method is not suitable T: (08) 8688 3111 in native vegetation due to the risk of off-target damage. Elliston Community Information Centre, Memorial Drive,

SA 5670 Cut and swab: Plants need to be cut at the base and T: (08) 868 9275 swabbed immediately with chemical. Larger plants may re- shoot so follow up is essential. Triclopyr 600g/l & Diesel 25 West Tce, Tumby Bay, SA 5605 1:30L should be used for treatment (as per APVMA permit). T: (08) 8688 2610 www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/eyrepeninsula Drill and fill: This technique can be used to control larger plants as there is less risk of re-shooting. Holes need to be Department for Environment. drilled in the base of the plant using a 10 mm drill bit approx. Water and Natural Resources 3 cm apart and 4 cm deep. Each hole is then filled with PO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001 chemical (glyphosate & water 1:4) and topped-up at least T: (08) 8463 6800 twice or until chemical uptake has slowed. www.environment.sa.gov.au