This document was originally published on the website of the CRC for Australian Weed Management, which was wound up in 2008. To preserve the technical information it contains, the department is republishing this document. Due to limitations in the CRC’s production process, however, its content may not be accessible for all users. Please contact the department’s Weed Management Unit if you require more assistance. Managing weeds for biodiversity

● Recorded distribution African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)

The problem the original native vegetation cover has The leaves are generally 10–40 mm been removed, boxthorn’s dense foliage long, 4–10 mm wide, bright green, African boxthorn (commonly known may be used as habitat by native fauna smooth and rather fleshy. They are oval as boxthorn) is a widespread weed in such as fairy wrens and the fruit may in shape with a rounded tip and occur African boxthorn regional Australia. It is considered a be a food source for native animals. in clusters along branchlets and at the major problem because it invades native base of thorns. Many agencies, community groups and vegetation, alters habitat and overruns individuals expend considerable resources Boxthorn mainly flowers in spring and pastures and other areas. It forms dense, each year on planning and undertaking summer but flowers may be present any impenetrable thickets that exclude other boxthorn control. While not among time of year. Flowers hang on stalks, plants, can provide shelter and food the 20 Weeds of National Significance, singly or in pairs. They are white to for feral animals such as foxes, rabbits, – Lycium ferocissimum boxthorn was ranked a close 24th in the mauve with a tubular base, usually five­ starlings and sparrows and reduce assessment of Australia’s worst weeds. lobed and about 12 mm in diameter. access for stock, native animals, people However, very little research has been Fruit is a smooth round berry, 5–12 mm and vehicles. Its large thorns can also done on its ecology. long, green ripening to bright orange­ injure livestock and puncture vehicle red, containing more than 20 seeds. tyres and several pest insect species breed in its fruit. The weed The deep, woody taproot is branched and re-sprouts vigorously if broken Native fauna requirements should be African boxthorn is a much branched, or cut. taken into account during management perennial shrub, commonly 2–3 m tall, of boxthorn infestations. For example, but may grow up to 6 m tall. Branches boxthorn in coastal regions can interfere are hairless and stiff and end in sturdy with seabird breeding and displace native thorns. Numerous thorns also occur Key points shrubs such as nitre bush. However, in at right angles along the branches. • Boxthorn is spread into natural areas and some situations where much or all of pasture by birds and foxes. • Boxthorn re-sprouts readily from roots left in the ground if not poisoned or removed completely. • Correct weed identification is essential. Australian native species that may resemble boxthorn occur within its current range. • Prevention is the most cost-effective form of weed control. • For established infestations in native vegetation, a carefully planned, long-term program is needed to eliminate boxthorn with minimum disturbance. • Mature boxthorn plants may provide habitat African boxthorn is an intricately branched shrub with large thorns. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell for some native fauna. 2

Weed identification and similar native species

One native and three weedy boxthorns (Lycium spp.) occur in Australia. All are thorny shrubs which produce berries, with white or purple flowers and petals joined in a tube at the base. The native species, Australian boxthorn (Lycium australe) grows across southern mainland Australia, mainly in drier areas west of the Great Dividing Range.

How to identify boxthorns (Lycium spp.) in Australia

Australian boxthorn African boxthorn Chinese boxthorn or Kaffir boxthorn (Lycium australe) (L. ferocissimum) wolfberry (L. barbarum) (L. afrum) Status NATIVE WEED WEED WEED Plant habit Shrub commonly to 1.5 m Shrub commonly to 3 m tall, Shrub to 2.5 m tall, Shrub to 2 m tall tall, rarely grows to 2.5 m may grow to 6 m arching branches, often with few laterals Lateral Leafy, often ending in a spine Leafy, mostly longer than Leafless, mostly 2–10 mm Leafy, ending in a stout spine branches 10 mm, ending in a stout spine long, may end in a spine Leaves Usually less than 5 times as Usually less than 5 times Usually less than 5 times as At least 5 times as long as long as broad, thick, mostly as long as broad, long as broad, angular tip, broad, up to 24 mm long 1.5–5 mm wide 4–10 mm wide single leaves 5–15 mm wide Flowers 8–12 mm long 10–12 mm long 10–12 mm long 15–20 mm long Fruits Orange-red berry, Orange-red berry, Orange-red berry, Purplish berry, 2–5 mm diameter, 5–10 mm diameter, 3–4 mm diameter, 10 mm diameter, 5–20 seeds 35–70 seeds approx. 20 seeds approx. 20 seeds Current NSW, Vic., SA, WA All states and territories All states and territories Vic. distribution except WA and NT in Australia

Other spiny native shrubs

Do not confuse African boxthorn with spiny native shrubs that may look similar and occupy similar types of habitat. None have spines as large and rigid as those on mature African boxthorn, which may be up to 15 cm long on main stems.

Key features of native species that may look like boxthorn:

1. Leaves fleshy, fruit a berry:

Nitre bush or dillon bush (Nitraria billardierei) is a spreading, rounded shrub that grows in drier – Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn – Lycium areas and coastal regions of mainland Australia and on many islands off Western Australia and South Australia. Leaves and flower parts may be felted. Flower petals are hooded. Fruit is a purple, red or golden oblong berry with only one seed. Photo: Peri Coleman

2. Leaves not fleshy:

Spiny fanflower or currant bush (Scaevola spinescens) is widespread in the drier regions of mainland Australia. Flowers are fan-shaped. Fruit is a round, fleshy berry, dark-purplish and 5–7 mm long. Photo: Peter Tucker

Tree violet (Hymenanthera dentata or Melicytus dentatus) is found in the ranges of southeastern Australia to the Flinders Ranges. Leaf margins are often slightly toothed. Fruit is a purple­ black berry. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell

Christmas bush or blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa) occurs in all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory and can grow as a tree. Spines are needle-like, flowers in clusters at the end of branches. Fruit is a dry, brown capsule. Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell

Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum 3

10 mm

Australian boxthorn (Lycium australe), native. African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum). Chinese boxthorn (Lycium barbarum). Photo: Dr Tony Robinson (DEH) Photo: Colin Wilson Photo: Jackie Miles and Max Campbell

How it spreads

African boxthorn was originally introduced to Australia from South Africa

and planted as hedges for fencing and – LyciumAfrican boxthorn ferocissimum windbreaks. It spread from the initial plantings and by 1904 was proclaimed noxious in parts of Victoria.

Boxthorn produces large numbers of orange-red berries that are eaten by native and non-native birds and other animals. The seeds pass through the Fleshy-fruited weeds such as boxthorn often appear first under trees where birds perch but boxthorn gut and are thus spread into native is not restricted to such areas. vegetation. Some of the birds can travel Photo: Les Tanner distances of many kilometres. Infestation is common under trees, shrubs, posts, Potential distribution conditions (eg availability of moisture). fences or powerlines where birds perch. Seeds may germinate at any time of Without effective control programs, year and seedlings take two or more Where it grows boxthorn has the potential to become years to commence fruiting. There is more abundant within its current range no evidence that seeds are long-lived Boxthorn is a hardy, drought-tolerant and to spread into new areas. Climate in the soil. plant that has been recorded in all states matching indicates that it could spread and territories from temperate, sub­ through much of Australia other than What to do about it tropical and semi-arid regions. Its current forests and the tropics. However, in distribution includes inland and coastal arid regions it generally grows near In most regions where boxthorn is areas in southern Australia and extends watercourses. widespread, total eradication may into sub-coastal Queensland. It generally not be a realistic goal. However, at occurs where the average annual rainfall Growth cycle the local or property scale a long-term is greater than 200 mm. It is also a major management program can reduce the weed in New Zealand. Boxthorn grows in regions having weed’s harmful effects, help to contain maximum rainfall in summer or winter, Boxthorn is mainly a weed of open its spread and encourage native or uniform throughout the year. Active areas such as woodlands, rangelands, vegetation to recover. growth is mainly in autumn through coastal areas including offshore islands, A planned, strategic approach is to spring, but its growth cycle may watercourses, roadsides, rail reserves essential to ensure that after treatment, vary. Plants sometimes lose their leaves and pastures that are not cultivated. It boxthorn is replaced by desirable plant temporarily under moisture stress or in grows on all soil types but prefers lighter cover rather than new boxthorn winter. Boxthorn generally flowers and (sandy or loamy) soils. seedlings, regrowth or other weeds. seeds in spring to summer but may do As well as the information presented so at any time of year depending on local in this guide on boxthorn biology and

Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum 4

Strategic weeding in native vegetation

Native vegetation Weeds

Weed from the least weed infested bush towards weed-dominated areas

control methods, a plan needs to be • Values and risks: identify native based on specific knowledge about the fauna habitat values and high risk Boxthorn sometimes loses its leaves temporarily under moisture stress. site—including the distribution of other sites for erosion potential and Photo: Colin Wilson major weeds. other factors.

The general strategy and methods 2. Develop the site action plan 3. Implement the action plan described below are useful for native • Identify goals and priorities based on • Remove boxthorn from the least vegetation and introduced pasture. the site information. infested areas first, then move into However, a broader range of strategies • Define priority areas for control by the more infested areas. Ensure that may be needed for removing boxthorn overlaying maps of boxthorn density, activities do not spread the fruit or from pasture or other cleared land. native vegetation, site values and risks. disturb ground cover. Adapt to local seasonal conditions. • Plan to weed strategically: Prevent boxthorn spreading • Follow up weed regrowth each year – protect the better quality native in areas previously treated before Identify locations where boxthorn occurs vegetation first and consider the moving to new areas of infestation. as isolated plants or sparse populations. needs of rare fauna and flora Remove seedlings and treat isolated • Coordinate control programs with – work from isolated boxthorn plants plants or clumps first and follow up. neighbouring landholders to maximise towards core infestations Keep uninfested areas free of boxthorn. effectiveness and reduce ongoing – control plants from upstream to – Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn – Lycium spread by animals. downstream. Reduce established 4. Monitor and evaluate outcomes infestations • The size of the area targeted at each stage should be manageable enough and adapt the plan accordingly Develop and implement a long-term to follow up thoroughly. Boxthorn Include monitoring of native plant weed management plan. control that is not followed up is regeneration. In weed management 1. Investigate the site wasteful and can cause a bigger programs there is often a tendency to problem. focus on the removal of weeds as a • Identify all plant species: weeds • Include control of other weeds so goal, but at the site level the ultimate and native plants. that they do not establish where goal is restoration of native vegetation • Map boxthorn infestations: boxthorn has been removed. or productive pastures for grazing indicate weed density throughout the • Select the most suitable control properties. site, identify major sources of fruit method for each weed growth stage from which re-invasion can occur. in each area to avoid damage to • Map native vegetation condition: Control methods native vegetation. Plan appropriate assess its capacity for recovery after disposal of weed material. Mature boxthorn is difficult to destroy boxthorn is removed and identify • Prepare a weed management because of its large size, thorns and sites of high biodiversity value, such calendar to maximise the effective­ capacity to regrow vigorously from roots as rare flora. ness of control activities and avoid or stumps. All but the smallest plants are the breeding seasons of key native difficult to pull out completely without species. breaking off at the root or disturbing

Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum 5

surrounding vegetation. Cut stems can As heavy machinery is involved, the ground and the cut surface painted also take root if left in contact with plucker method is unsuitable in native immediately (within 10 seconds) with the soil. No biological control agents vegetation where off-target damage herbicide, using a hand held spray bottle have been identified for this species. would be unavoidable. or a brush. For large plants, the first cut stems may need to be treated before the In selecting the most suitable control Chemical control remainder are cut and a team of two techniques it is essential to minimise or more people need to work together. adverse impacts on native vegetation Herbicide can be highly effective, Use a dye in the mixture to show that providing it is carefully chosen and and to encourage its subsequent stems have been treated. recovery. Different methods may be selectively applied to minimise regrowth, Gaining access to the base of large appropriate for sparse boxthorn plants off-target damage and disturbance. thorny bushes can be difficult. Several amongst native vegetation, compared The main herbicide treatments for people working together can use a with areas dominated by the weed. boxthorn are foliage spray, cut-stump, cable to pull the bush out of the way, Where boxthorn infests a pasture, other stem injection and basal bark application. cut the stems and paint immediately methods may be available, so consult All of these methods are only effective if the plants are actively growing at the with herbicide. Or the top of the plant weed control contacts and existing fact time of application. can be cut away first, then the stems sheets for more detailed advice. cut lower and herbicide applied African boxthorn – LyciumAfrican boxthorn ferocissimum To prevent injuries from thorns, Foliar spray immediately. protective clothing including thick For spraying to be effective, all gloves, long pants, boots, long-sleeved Stem injection boxthorn foliage must be wetted and shirt and eye protection must be worn. the equipment suited to the size of the For basal stem diameter larger plants. In native vegetation, careful spot than 5 cm Physical weed removal spraying using hand held equipment Drill holes at approximately 5 cm Seedlings can be hand pulled if the (handgun and hose or knapsack) would intervals around the stem, angled ground is not too hard. For extensive be required to avoid off-target damage. downwards and sideways. Use a infestations in pastures, mechanical In this situation, foliar spraying is drill bit of 6 mm or more in diameter. equipment such as a ‘Boxthorn Plucker’ generally limited to small plants and Holes need only be as deep as the may be used on individual plants. It is regrowth under conditions when spray living wood just under the bark. Fill essential that the work be followed drift will not occur. immediately with herbicide using up over several years to treat regrowth a squirt bottle or plastic syringe. from root fragments left behind, but Cut-stump application less follow-up should be needed after Suitable for all basal stem sizes a few years of concerted effort. All stems are cut horizontally with Regrowth can be treated with herbicide. secateurs, bush saw or a chainsaw Preferably pull plants when not in fruit. no higher than 15 cm from the

Stem injection. Side view of trunk showing 45° -angled holes in wood.

Basal bark application

For basal stem diameter up to 5 cm

Bark of all stems needs to be sprayed or painted with herbicide around the entire circumference to a height of at least 30 cm from ground level. This method may be impractical for large multi-stemmed plants due to the Once stems are cut, herbicide must be applied immediately to stumps: North Pasco Island, Tas. difficulty of applying herbicide to all Photo: Karen Ziegler sides of all stems.

Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum #Avoid spraydrift—refertolabel. African boxthorn.Followlabeladviceforrates. *Glyphosate-only herbicideproductscontainingotherconcentrationsandformsoftheactivechemicalarealsoregisteredforspraying in somesituationsexistTas., WA, ment ofwoodyweedswithglyphosate label. Permitsthatincludestemtreat­ that isnotincludedontheapproved to beusedforapurposeorinmanner issued toallowregistered products AGVET chemicalproduct’ maybe A ‘Permittoallowminoruseofan are notincludedonregistered labels. injection ofglyphosateforboxthorn Cut-stump applicationandstem applying glyphosate Alternative methods of where appropriate. using herbicidesnearwaterwaysbecauserainfallrunoff cancarryherbicides.Usespecialformulationsforsuchenvironments formal traininginthesafestorage,handling,preparation anduseofthechosenherbicides.Particularcare shouldbetakenwhen When usingherbicidesalwaysread thelabelandfollowinstructionscarefully. Atleastonememberofagroup shouldhave land managers. plantsinnativevegetationbycommunitygroups,chemicals canbeappliedtoindividualboxthorn landholdersandpublic The tablebelowincludesalimitedselectionofthechemicalapplicationsregistered Thesenon-residual, forboxthorn. systemic Registered herbicides for boxthorn products glyphosate-only Various registered Active constituent for Tasmania only Registered labeluse as butoxyethylester Triclopyr 600g/L Registered labeluse as butoxyethylester Triclopyr 600g/L Registered labeluse salt* as isopropylamine Glyphosate 360g/L Active constituent Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum contact withchemical exposed partsare in than grasseswhen Any plantsother chemical in contactwiththe exposed partsare than grasseswhen Any plantsother chemical in contactwiththe non-woody roots are stems orexposed when foliage,green Any typeofplant Off-target risk chemical are incontactwiththe exposed non-woodyroots foliage, green stemsor Any typeofplantwhen Off-target risk Foliage target Boxthorn than 2mtall Foliage ofplantsless to access) diameter ordifficult (basal stems>5cm 2. Cut-stump up to5cmdiameter) 1. Basalbark(stems both systemicandnon-r The herbicideslistedinthisguideare summarised below. that maybeincludedinapermitare in thatstate.Examplesoftreatments forsourcesuse inVictoria’ ofadvice to thefactsheet‘Off labelchemical conditions from thepermit holder. Refer territory andobtainadviceonlocal the relevant permitforyour stateor Medicines Authoritywebsitetofind as follows: the AustralianPesticidesandV Qld, SA,NSWandtheACT. Referto # or more in diameter) Stem injection(stems5cm any size) Cut-stump (basalstemsof Method andstemsize # 6 170 mL/100Lwater 2 L/60diesel on addingsurfactant Follow labeladvice 7–10 mL/1Lwater Mixture esidual, defined eterinary Add dye in water Undiluted ordiluted Mixture Knapsack spray cutting immediately after 2. Paintallstumps basal bark—allsides 1. Sprayorpaint knapsack spray Handgun or application Method of • • of weedsorotherplants. not prevent subsequentregeneration length oftime.Therefore theydo herbicide-active inthesoilforany Non-residual herbicidesar effective onperennial plants. Through thismeanstheycan be storage organs,stemsandfoliage. and withintheplanttoroots, ar Systemic ortranslocatedherbicides e transportedthroughout the plant dilution rate advice onasuitable Refer topermitandseek and timing safety, weatherconditions See labelforadviceon Details /timing stressed bydrought plantsnot Boxthorn treat duringwinter) (Tasmania: donot growing When plantsactively conditions windy orwet hot dryperiodsor Do notsprayduring for mature bushes bushes, higherrate Lower rateforyoung see label Details /timing: e not 7

Boxthorn on offshore islands ...case study

Islands play an important role in conserving seabirds, marine mammals, coastal vegetation and other wildlife. Many also have a colourful and varied human history, during which non-native plants and animals became established. Due to their relative isolation, islands often present opportunities to attempt local eradication of feral animals and weeds, for the benefit of wildlife in the long term.

African boxthorn was planted in harsh island environments to provide windbreaks and fences, and with the

assistance of birds has since spread – LyciumAfrican boxthorn ferocissimum widely. It can displace native vegetation and has a range of impacts on wildlife habitat. Eradication of any established Boxthorn emerging through native succulent shrubs: Althorpe Island, SA, 2006. Photo: Erika Lawley infestation presents an enormous challenge, one that is being met by a sustained effort in some key coastal 10 000 mature boxthorn were cut and locations. painted, and over six years thousands of seedlings were removed. Activity Althorpe Islands Conservation Park within seabird colonies was timed to is located off Yorke Peninsula in South avoid the critical breeding seasons, but Australia, under the management of the it was also essential to treat boxthorn SA Department for Environment and plants with herbicide when they were Heritage. The park is important habitat actively growing. for native species including large numbers of short-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus The Friends group found that the tenuirostris) which breed on the island, most efficient and effective method for Regrowth after primary treatment – cut and digging nesting burrows in the sandy killing mature boxthorn is to cut stems paint to avoid damage to native plants: soil. For more than 100 years the island horizontally near ground level and Althorpe Island, SA. Photo: Erica Lawley was inhabited and non-native species immediately apply glyphosate (diluted including boxthorn were introduced. in clean water) to the stumps. To follow The weed proliferated after feral goat up, they cut and painted regrowth. It was important to assess the impact removal was completed in 1990. It is Site conditions affected the amount of boxthorn removal on shearwater considered a threat to the shearwaters of regrowth after initial treatment, with breeding and on native vegetation. To because they are apparently unable to plants in sheltered, sandy locations being do this, regeneration of native plants burrow through its dense root mass. the most persistent. Young plants are and density of shearwater burrows in often detected when they emerge the vicinity of dead boxthorn stumps Friends of Althorpe Islands Conservation through native shrubs and follow-up were monitored. Bare ground around Park actively assist with management, work continues. In 2006, almost 700 boxthorn stumps was initially colonised including research and weed removal boxthorn seedlings were removed. by weedy annual plants, then generally and in 1998, a major effort commenced Once the island is free of mature and replaced by native plants. While initial to eradicate boxthorn from the island. regrowth boxthorn, regular maintenance monitoring of burrows was encouraging, Community service volunteers and the will be needed to remove seedlings, as further monitoring will show whether Australian Trust for Conservation seeds may be dispersed to the island shearwaters are benefiting from weed Volunteers were also involved. About by birds. case eradication.study Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum to yoursituation. regulated bylegislation. damage nativevegetationmay be Weed control thatcouldsignificantly minimise spread intouninfestedareas. to reduce theweed’s impactsand coordinated, long-termprograms involvement ofalllandholdersin widespr In moststateswhereis boxthorn relevant toyourlocation). the contactstableforfurtherdetails control bylandholdersisrequired (see accidental ordeliberatemovement,and are oftenprohibited from saleand at thelocallevelinWA. Declared plants NSW, Qld,SA,Tas., ACT, Vic., NTand isadeclaredAfrican boxthorn plantin Legislation National Significanceandalertlistspecies.TheIntr Refer totheCRCforAustralianWeed Managementwebsite(www.weeds.crc.org.au) forweedmanagementguidesinthisseries,aswell asguidesforWeeds of community groups working onboxthorn. Consult thenaturalresource managementorganisationforyourregion orlocal counciltofindlocalcontactsonmanagingweeds for biodiversity, including database whichcontainsinformationonallherbicidesthatare registered foruse onweedsineachAustralianstateandterritory, including minorusepermits. Contact detailsforstateandterritoryagencieswithresponsibility forweedsare listedabove,alongwiththeAPVMA.TheAPVMA websitehoststhePUBCRIS Contacts Australia-wide Territory State / Weed Management Guide • African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum NSW ACT WA Tas. Qld Vic. NT SA ead, legislationencourages Australian PesticidesandVeterinary Dept ofEnvironment andClimate of SustainabilityandEnvironment Dept ofPrimaryIndustries/ Medicines Authority(APVMA) Dept ofAgriculture andFood NSW DepartmentofPrimary Dept ofNaturalResources, Dept ofNaturalResources Dept ofPrimaryIndustries Environment andtheArts Biodiversity Conservation Dept ofWater, Landand Environment ACT Department and Water and Water Industries Change oductory Weed Management Manual(alsoavailablefrom thiswebsite)mayassistindevelopingaplantailored Acknowledgments and HeritageSA). Paterson (DepartmentforEnvironment gov of AustralianHerbaria. Gardens CouncilofHeads Melbourne, (L Herbarium, Map: Australia'sVirtual Service. Publishing Australian Government (1982) FloraofAustralia:Volume 29. Australian Bureau ofFloraandFauna Resources ManagementBoard). &YorkeDeb Agnew(Northern Natural (SADWLBC/WeedsJohn Virtue CRC), factsheets onAfricanboxthorn. Qld, NSW Information andguiderevision: Althorpe IslandsCP)andCar Case study:EricaLawley(Friends of ycium ferocissimum) .au/cgi-bin/avhpublic/avh.cgi. Fax: (02)62724753 (cost ofalocalcall) (02) 62079777 (08) 83039620 (07) 34055537 (08) 89992020 (02) 62725852 (08) 93683333 1300 368550 1800 680244 , Vic. andTas., Vic. government or 132281 131 555 136186 Phone 8 , viaRoyalBotanic www.rbg.vic. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Weeds.Enquiries@dpiw. oline [email protected] tas.gov.au Email N/A Photo: Colin Wilson Photo: ColinWilson flowerandleaves. African boxthorn www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ www.environment.act.gov.au/ (search on‘Africanboxthorn’ http://services.apvma.gov.au/ www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natural www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/weeds to findcurrent registrations) resources/weeds/index.html www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/ yourenvironmenthwp/pests npws.nsf/Content/Weeds www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au www.agric.wa.gov.au www.dpiw.tas.gov.au www.apvma.gov.au www.dse.vic.gov.au www.dpi.vic.gov.au PubcrisWebClient index.html Website Quick refer ence guide

Vegetation management Apply herbicides during or weed control? periods of active growth

The ultimate success of a boxthorn Herbicide should only be applied when removal program is measured by the plants are leafy and actively growing, type of vegetation that replaces it. preferably before the main fruiting Adopt a strategic, integrated, long­ season. Avoid hot or wet conditions, term approach to maximise restoration or periods when plants are under stress, of native vegetation or pasture and as specified on the herbicide labels. – LyciumAfrican boxthorn ferocissimum minimise reinvasion by boxthorn or other weeds. Consider disposal options

Natural regeneration of native plants In paddock situations, it is generally is the best form of revegetation, but in recommended that bushes be stacked Bird nest in boxthorn. Dense foliage can provide habitat for native and introduced fauna. sites dominated by boxthorn over many and burnt to remove harbour for pests Photo: Peri Coleman years, there may be no native plants or such as rabbits. However, if mature seed remaining. Where this is the case, boxthorn provide scarce habitat for Prevent boxthorn establish locally collected indigenous native fauna, cut bushes (preferably re-establishment plants, including ground covers. without numerous fruit) may be best left on site as temporary cover. Piles of Once fruiting plants have been killed, the In rural landscapes, where the original cut boxthorn should not be left on top focus is on preventing re-establishment native understorey vegetation has been of native vegetation. Check that cut from seeds in the soil or brought in removed and boxthorn provides the only stems are not in contact with the soil by animals. There is no evidence that cover for native fauna, plant suitable where they may take root. boxthorn seeds are long-lived in the soil. local native shrubs before removing it. 1. Avoid large-scale disturbance that Adapt the control method Follow up would create extensive areas of to the situation It is essential to monitor for regrowth bare soil, such as too-frequent fire from root fragments and stumps after in native vegetation or overgrazing Boxthorn occurs in a wide range of physical or chemical treatment and in pasture. environmental conditions and land follow up thoroughly. Wait until regrowth 2. Identify likely boxthorn fruit sources, uses. Mechanical removal may be is 50 cm tall, then cut and paint or spot dispersal agents and patterns of appropriate in introduced pasture but spray. The amount of regrowth will invasion such as bird roosting sites. would result in off-target damage in depend on season and site conditions. 3. Monitor boxthorn-free areas every native vegetation. Plants that appear dead can sprout new two years to detect and remove growth three years after treatment. seedlings before they fruit.

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