African Boxthorn

This week's weed is the African Boxthorn. It is classified as a RESTRICTED species. It produces dense, spiny thickets that can form impenetrable barriers to stock and people.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • Perennial shrub up to 5m tall with deep, extensive, branched root system and rigid stems that are branched, woody and thorny
  • Bright green leaves about 3cm long, rounded at the tip and tapered at the base
  • Flowers are white-pale mauve approximately 12mm in diameter
  • Berries are smooth and green when young, ripening to bright orange-red.

WHY IT'S BAD

  • Aggressively invades pastures, roadsides, reserves and natural areas
  • Forms thorny thickets hindering stock, wildlife and human movement
  • Produces lots of fruit and seeds that are spread by stock and birds, attracting many fruit pest that effect orchard species
  • Grows in all soil types, often along dry creek banks and fence lines due to seed spread by birds.

WHAT TO DO

  • This plant must NOT be given away, sold, or released into the environment. Penalties may apply.
  • Please report any sightings of this plant to Council for advice on control options

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/.../rest.../african-boxthorn

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