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African Boxthorn

Lycium ferocissimum Miers (family Solanaceae)

African Boxthorn is a spiny shrub normally growing up to 5 m tall. The small white flowers with purple markings are scented. It is most noticeable in autumn and winter due to the numerous orange/red berries, which contain many seeds.

In Australia it was originally cultivated as a hedge plant. It is an extremely sturdy plant that can withstand drought conditions, frosts and floods. It has adapted to Australian conditions and is now widespread throughout NSW, especially on light soils such as along dry creek beds. It will also be found along roadsides, in open forests and grazing lands where it can form dense thickets.

Vectors: African Boxthorn produces large quantities of fruit. Birds and animals such as foxes can spread seeds over a wide area. The fruit of the African Boxthorn is also a host to the Fruit Fly.

Physical control: Care must be taken to remove entire plant  as even small plants often reshoot from rootstock. Spines are sharp and often large.

Herbicide control: A number of herbicides are registered for control. These include the Glyphosate and various Trichlopyr based products. Check with herbicide companies and use only as directed.