Boxthorn

Boxthorn is a densely branched, spiny, evergreen shrub standing less than 6m tall. It ensnares seabirds and impedes access to nesting sites.

Description

• Leaves are about 43 x 12mm.
• Flowers are cream-purple in colour and the fruit is fleshy and red.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds, mammals and reptiles.
• Habitats include coastal sites, sand dunes, gravel, cliffs, shrublands, riparian margins, wastelands, roadsides, and pastures.

What you need to know

Inhibits native coastal plant regeneration, ensnares seabirds and impedes access to nesting sites. Spines can become embedded in bone or soft tissue, causing infection and pseudo-tumours.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas three times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after two to three treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds.

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations.

Chemical control

Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with double strength glyphosate gel or cut stump and spray freshly cut base with 200ml glyphosate green per 1L of water.

Foliar spray with 100ml glyphosate green per 10L of water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

Biological control

Biological control is currently not available for this species.

Safety notes

Plant has thorns.