African Boxthorn (Lycium Ferocissimum)

Home , Lycium australe, Lycium barbarum, Lycium ferocissimum

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 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. African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum o oietf oton ( boxthorns How toidentify grows mainlandAustralia,mainlyindrierareas across westoftheGreat southern DividingRange. white orpurpleflowersandpetalsjoinedinatubeatthebase.Thenativespecies,Australianboxthorn ( One nativeandthree weedyboxthorns Weed identification andsimilar native species Key features ofnativespeciesthatmaylooklikeboxthorn: whichmaybeupto15cmlongon mainstems. None havespinesaslargeandrigidthoseonmature Africanboxthorn, withspinynativeshrubsthatmaylooksimilarandoccupytypesofhabitat. Do notconfuseAfricanboxthorn Other spinynativeshrubs distribution in Australia Plant habit branches Flowers Current Lateral Leaves Status Fruits Weed Leafy, oftenendinginaspine aaeetGuide•African boxthorn – Management long asbroad, thick,mostly Usually lessthan5timesas Shrub commonlyto1.5m tall, rarely grows to2.5m Australian boxthorn NSW, SA,WA Vic., (Lycium australe) 2–5 mmdiameter, Orange-red berry, 1.5–5 mmwide 8–12 mmlong 5–20 seeds NATIVE Photo: PeriColeman red orgoldenoblongberry South Australia.Leavesandflowerpartsmaybefelted.Flowerpetalsare hooded.Fruitisapurple, areas and coastalregions ofmainlandAustraliaandonmanyislandsoff Australiaand Western Australia. Spiny fanflowerorcurrantbush 2. Leavesnotfleshy: Nitre bush ordillonbush 1. Leavesfleshy, fruitaberry: Photo: JackieMiles andMaxCampbell of branches. Territorythe Northern andcangrow asatree. Spines are needle-like, flowersinclustersattheend Christmas bushorblackthorn Photo: JackieMilesandMaxCampbell black berry Australia totheFlindersRanges.Leafmarginsare oftenslightlytoothed. Tree violet Photo: PeterTucker Lycium Flowers arefan-shaped (Hymenanthera dentata . Fruit isadry, browncapsule Lycium spp.) inAustralia 10 mm,endinginastoutspine Shrub commonlyto3mtall, Leafy, mostlylongerthan Usually lessthan5times All statesandterritories 5–10 mmdiameter, African boxthorn African boxthorn (L. ferocissimum) Orange-red berry, may grow to6m spp.) occur in Australia. All are thorny shrubswhichproducespp.) occurinAustralia.Allare berries,with thorny as longbroad, 10–12 mmlong 4–10 mmwide (Nitraria billardierei) 35–70 seeds with onlyoneseed WEED (Bursaria spinosa) (Scaevola spinescens) 2 or . Fruitisaround, fleshyberry, dark-purplishand5–7mmlong. Melicytus dentatus) . is aspreading, rounded shrubthatgrows indrier single leaves5–15mmwide Usually lessthan5timesas wolfberry long asbroad, angulartip, Leafless, mostly2–10mm occurs in all states except Western Australiaand occurs inallstatesexceptWestern long, mayendinaspine . arching branches,often All statesandterritories Chinese boxthorn or Chinese boxthorn Shrub to2.5mtall, except WA andNT 3–4 mmdiameter, Orange-red berry, approx. 20seeds with fewlaterals 10–12 mmlong is widespread inthedrierregions ofmainland WEED (L. barbarum) is foundintherangesofsoutheastern Lycium ferocissimum Fruit isapurple- Leafy, endinginastoutspine At least5timesaslong broad, upto24mmlong (Lycium australe) Kaffir boxthorn Kaffir boxthorn 10 mmdiameter, approx. 20seeds Shrub to2mtall 15–20 mmlong Purplish berry, (L. afrum) WEED Vic. 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 African boxthorn 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 – Lycium ferocissimum 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.

– Lycium ferocissimum – Lycium • 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 African boxthorn 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 African boxthorn 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 – Lycium ferocissimum 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 herbicideproductscontainingotherconcentrationsandformsoftheactivechemicalarealsoregisteredforsp in somesituationsexistTas., WA, ment ofwoodyweedswithglyphosate label. Permitsthatincludestemtreat- that isnotincludedontheapproved to beusedforapurposeorinmanner issued toallowregistered products AGVET chemicalproduct’ maybe A ‘Permittoallowminoruseofan are not included onregistered labels. injection ofglyphosateforboxthorn Cut-stump applicationandstem applying glyphosate of Alternative methods where appropriate. using herbicidesnearwaterwaysbecauserainfallrunoff cancarryherbicides.Usespecialformulationsforsuchenvironments formal traininginthesafestorage,handling,preparation anduseofthechosenherbicides.Particularcare shouldbetakenwh When usingherbicidesalwaysread thelabelandfollowinstructionscarefully. Atleastonememberofagroup shouldhave land managers. plantsinnativevegetationbycommunitygroups, landholdersandpublic chemicals canbeappliedtoindividualboxthorn The tablebelowincludesalimitedselectionofthechemicalapplicationsregistered Thesenon-residual, systemic forboxthorn. for boxthorn Registered herbicides 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 aaeetGuide•African boxthorn – Management 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 incontactwith the exposed non-woodyroots foliage, green stems or Any typeofplantwhen Off-target risk than 2mtall Foliage ofplantsless to access) diameter ordifficult (basal stems>5cm 2. Cut-stump up to5cmdiameter) 1. Basalbark(stems Foliage target Boxthorn as follows: both systemicandnon-residual, defined The herbicideslistedinthisguideare summarised below. that maybeincludedinapermitare in thatstate.Examplesoftreatments forsourcesuse inVictoria’ ofadvice to thefactsheet‘Off labelchemical conditions from thepermitholder. Refer territory andobtainadviceonlocal the relevant permitforyourstateor Medicines Authoritywebsitetofind the AustralianPesticidesandVeterinary Qld, SA,NSWandtheACT. Referto # or more indiameter) 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 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 Lycium ferocissimum • • of weedsorotherplants. not prevent subsequentregeneration length oftime.Therefore theydo herbicide-active inthesoilforany Non-residual herbicides effective onperennial plants. Through thismeanstheycanbe storage organs,stemsandfoliage. and withintheplanttoroots, are transported throughout theplant Systemic ortranslocatedherbicides dilution rate advice onasuitable Refer topermitandseek and timing safety, weather conditions 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: raying are not en African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum It was important to assess the impact of boxthorn on shearwater removal and on native vegetation. To breeding of native plants do this, regeneration in and density of shearwater burrows the vicinity of dead boxthorn stumps around ground Bare monitored. were boxthorn stumps was initially colonised by weedy annual plants, then generally by native plants. While initial replaced was encouraging, monitoring of burrows further monitoring will show whether weed benefiting from shearwaters are eradication. Regrowth after primary treatment – cut and after primary treatment Regrowth paint to avoid damage to native plants: Althorpe Island, SA. Photo: Erica Lawley Lycium ferocissimum Lycium ...case study ...case 7 case study 10 000 mature boxthorn cut and 10 000 mature were painted, and over six years thousands Activity removed. of seedlings were colonies was timed to within seabird seasons, but avoid the critical breeding boxthornit was also essential to treat plants with herbicide when they were actively growing. found that the The Friends group method for and effective most efficient boxthornkilling mature is to cut stems level and horizontally near ground immediately apply glyphosate (diluted follow in clean water) to the stumps. To up, they cut and painted regrowth. the amount Site conditions affected with after initial treatment, of regrowth sandy locations being plants in sheltered, plants are the most persistent. Young often detected when they emerge native shrubs and follow-up through work continues. In 2006, almost 700 boxthorn removed. seedlings were and of mature Once the island is free boxthorn, maintenance regular regrowth seedlings, as will be needed to remove seeds may be dispersed to the island by birds. Boxthorn native succulent shrubs: Althorpe Island, SA, 2006. emerging through Photo: Erika Lawley (Puffinus Management – boxthorn Guide • African which breed on the island, which breed Weed Althorpe Islands Conservation Park Peninsula in South Yorke is located off Australia, under the management of the and SA Department for Environment Heritage. The park is important habitat for native species including large numbers of short-tailed shearwaters African boxthorn was planted in to provide harsh island environments and fences, and with the windbreaks has since spread assistance of birds It can displace native vegetation widely. and has a range of impacts on wildlife habitat. Eradication of any established an enormous infestation presents challenge, one that is being met by in some key coastal a sustained effort locations. Friends of Althorpe Islands Conservation Park actively assist with management, and weed removal including research commenced and in 1998, a major effort to eradicate boxthorn the island. from Community service volunteers and the for Conservation Australian Trust also involved. About were Volunteers Boxthorn on offshore islands on offshore Boxthorn in an important role Islands play mammals, marine conserving seabirds, other wildlife. coastal vegetation and and varied Many also have a colourful which non-native during human history, established. plants and animals became islands isolation, Due to their relative to attempt opportunities often present animals and local eradication of feral of wildlife in the weeds, for the benefit long term. tenuirostris) in the sandy digging nesting burrows than 100 years the island soil. For more was inhabited and non-native species including boxthorn introduced. were after feral goat The weed proliferated was completed in 1990. It is removal to the shearwaters a threat considered unable to apparently because they are mass. its dense root through burrow African boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum regulated bylegislation. damage nativevegetationmay be Weed control thatcouldsignificantly minimise spread intouninfestedareas. to reduce theweed’s impacts and coordinated, long-termprograms involvement ofalllandholdersin widespread, legislationencourages is In moststateswhere boxthorn relevant toyourlocation). the contactstableforfurtherdetails control by landholdersisrequired (see accidental ordeliberatemovement,and are often prohibited from saleand at thelocallevelinWA. Declared plants NSW, Qld,SA,Tas., ACT, Vic., NTand isadeclared plantin African boxthorn Legislation to yoursituation. National Significanceandalertlistspecies.TheIntroductory Weed Management Manual(alsoavailablefrom thiswebsite)mayas Refer totheCRCforAustralianWeed Managementwebsite(www.weeds.crc.org.au) forweedmanagementguidesinthisseries,aswe community groups workingonboxthorn. Consult thenaturalresource managementorganisationforyourregion orlocalcounciltofindcontactsonmanagingweeds database whichcontainsinformationonallherbicidesthatare registered foruseonweedsineachAustralianstateandterrito Contact detailsforstateandterritoryagencieswithresponsibility forweedsare listedabove,alongwiththeAPVMA.TheAPVM Contacts Australia-wide Territory State / Weed NSW ACT Tas. WA Qld Vic. NT SA aaeetGuide•African boxthorn – Management Australian PesticidesandVeterinary of SustainabilityandEnvironment Dept ofPrimaryIndustries/ Medicines Authority(APVMA) Dept ofAgriculture andFood Dept ofNaturalResources, Dept ofNaturalResources Dept ofPrimaryIndustries Environment andtheArts Biodiversity Conservation Dept ofWater, Landand Environment ACT NSW Agriculture Department and Water and Water and HeritageSA). Paterson (DepartmentforEnvironment Althorpe IslandsCP)andCaroline Case study:EricaLawley(Friends of gov.au/cgi-bin/avhpublic/avh.cgi. of AustralianHerbaria.www.rbg.vic. CouncilofHeads Gardens Melbourne, (Lycium ferocissimum) 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, andTas. Vic. government Information andguiderevision: Acknowledgments Fax: (02)62724753 (cost ofalocalcall) or 1800680244 (02) 62725852 (08) 93683333 (08) 83039620 (07) 34055537 (08) 89992020 (02) 63913100 (02) 62079777 1300 368550 or 132281 136186 Phone 8 , viaRoyalBotanic [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Weeds.Enquiries@dpiw. tas.gov.au Email N/A Lycium ferocissimum Photo: ColinWilson flowerand leaves. African boxthorn www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ www.environment.act.gov.au/ ry, includingminorusepermits. (search on‘Africanboxthorn’ http://services.apvma.gov.au/ www.nt.gov.au/nreta/natural to findcurrent registrations) resources/weeds/index.html www.nrw.qld.gov.au/pests/ yourenvironmenthwp/pests A websitehoststhePUBCRIS npws.nsf/Content/Weeds sist indevelopingaplantailored www.agric.nsw.gov.au/ for biodiversity, including 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 reader/weeds ll asguidesforWeeds of index.html Website Quick reference 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. African boxthorn 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 – Lycium ferocissimum 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.

Disclaimer While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the CRC for Australian Weed Management takes no responsibility for its contents, or for any loss, damage or consequence for any person or body relying on the information, or for any error or omission in this publication.