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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. A
hardy plant, fast-growing, and covered in sharp thorns, African boxthorn
made a very effective boundary “fence” between properties in the early
days of rural settlement. Its
popularity as a garden plant is another reason why we 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 [as in photo,
above left], denying shelter to livestock. African boxthorn is also a perfect harbour for
rabbits, foxes, feral cats and pigs.
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EFFECT ON ANIMALS
The problem with African boxthorn is its
invasiveness. It takes over shaded areas first and keeps spreading.
It can seriously reduce a property’s stock-carrying capacity. And,
the plants' sharp
thorns pose a threat to the eyes of grazing animals, especially during dry
times when the animals are chasing feed under the plants.
IDENTIFICATION
F lowers
are a creamy colour about 10mm in diameter.
 Berries are about the size of “table peas”. The plant doesn’t usually start to produce fruit until it
is two years old. Every
limb is covered with sharp, strong spines growing to about 75mm long.
African boxthorn grows to a height of around 3-4m. 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 a very desirable and immediate way of
cleaning up unsightly boxthorn infestations. (Note 1. plants are
easier to remove if ground 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 regrowth from where the plants have been removed from the ground - continue to remove
or chemically treat new growth until plants eventually
give up.
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Chemical options |
Rate: Spot/Boom |
Comments |
|
Triclopyr +Picloram
Grazon DS® |
500 ml in 100 L of water |
Apply when bushes have good leaf cover, growth and no leaf fall
|
|
Triclopyr + Picloram
Access ® |
1.0 L in 60 L of diesel |
Apply as basal bark/cut stump
application |
|
Picloram +2,4 -D
Tordon 75D ® |
1.3 L in 100 L of water |
Small bushes only. Spray soil
to drip line. Thorough coverage is essential |
|
Glyphosate 360 g/L
Various trade names |
700 ml to 1.0 L in 100 L of water |
Low rate on young bushes, high
rate on mature bushes. Thorough coverage is essential. |
|
Glyphosate - trimesium
Touchdown® |
1.0 L in 100 L of water |
Actively growing bushes. Spray
thoroughly |
|
Triclopyr
Garlon 600â |
1.0L in 30L of diesel |
Cut stump /basal bark
application |
|
Tebuthiuron
Graslan® |
2
g per square metre |
Estimate the area within 30 cm
beyond the drip line of the target plant - calculate the amount of
Graslan required to cover the area and distribute evenly in this area.
Do not use within 30 m of desirable trees. |
|
Hexazinone
Velpar L® |
4
ml per spot |
Bushes up to 3m tall. 1 spot
per metre of height. Do not apply near desirable trees. |
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 | 
North West Weeds
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