African Boxthorn

Due to its invasive nature and negative impacts on ecosystems, African Boxthorn is considered a significant weed that requires active management to limit its spread and impact.

• Growth Form: African Boxthorn is a thorny, woody shrub that can grow up to 4 meters in height.

• Leaves: The leaves are small, narrow, and often rolled along the edges. They are typically green to greyish-green.

• Thorns: One of the most distinctive features of African Boxthorn is its thorny branches. It produces paired spines at the base of leaves.

• Flowers: It produces small, tubular, five-petaled flowers that are usually pale lavender to purple in colour.

• Fruit: The plant produces small, fleshy, and orange-red berries. These berries are a key feature in its spread, as birds eat them and spread the seeds.

• Habitat: African Boxthorn can be found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, disturbed sites, and agricultural land.

Ecological Impact:

• African Boxthorn is considered a highly invasive species in many regions, including Australia. It can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt local ecosystems.

• The thorny branches of African Boxthorn can create impenetrable thickets, making it difficult for animals and people to move through infested areas.

• It is a host for several plant diseases and pests, further impacting agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Control Methods:

• Control of African Boxthorn often involves mechanical methods, such as cutting and removal of the plant.

• Chemical herbicides can also be used for control, but caution is required to minimize damage to non-target species.

• Biological control methods, including the introduction of insects that feed on African Boxthorn, have been explored as a long-term control strategy.

Key Products for Control:

• Indigo Rapid Fire 800 - Glyphosate (present as the  acid and ammonium salt)

• Indigo Rapid Fire 510 - Glyphosate (present as the isopropylamine salt)

• Adama Enforcer - Picloram, 2,4-D

• Adama 2,4-D Amine - 2,4-D Amine  

• Adama Safari - Triclopyr

• Adama Grindstone - Aminopyralid 

• Adama Fightback - Picloram and Triclopyr

• Adama Picoflex - Picloram (present as potassium salt)

• Envu Method - Aminocyclopyrachlor (present as the potassium salt)