Landholder Resources

Controlling African Boxthorn

African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is a highly invasive woody shrub that can: 

  • Form dense, thorny thickets up to 5 m high 
  • Displace native vegetation and alter habitat structure 
  • Provide shelter for pest animals such as rabbits and foxes 
  • Spread rapidly via seeds dispersed by birds and animals which eat its bright red-orange berries 

As a declared weed, landholders are legally responsible for preventing its growth and spread.

Download this resource

These boxthorn control methods are relevant statewide across a range of habitats. Boxthorn is commonly found under paddock trees and in degraded environments, but can invade intact native vegetation.

  • Control boxthorn early before plants set fruit 
  • Use caution when handling boxthorn – thorns can penetrate boots and tyres 
  • Use chemical and physical removal in combination 
  • Follow up removal with monitoring 
  • Boxthorn may provide temporary shelter for native species in highly degraded habitats; consider staged removal and avoid spring when birds may be nesting 
  • Follow rules and regulations around chemical use 

Chemical Control 

  • Herbicides are sold under a variety of names. Follow label instructions. Active ingredients include: 
    • Picloram + Triclopyr (+ Aminopyralid)  
    • Metsulfuron-methyl 
    • Glyphosate  
  • Herbicide can be applied using several methods:  
    • Foliar spray – herbicide is sprayed directly onto leaves when plants are actively growing 
    • Cut and paint – stems are cut and herbicide immediately painted onto stem 
  • Use chemical control before fruits develop 

 

Physical Control 

  • Mature plants can be removed mechanically using machinery  
  • Small seedlings can be pulled out by hand 
  • Follow-up treatment to remove seedlings and regrowth 
  • Dispose of plant material responsibly to prevent spread 
  • Regularly inspect treated areas for regrowth 
  • Monitor for new seedlings under paddock trees and along fence lines 
  • Keep records of treatments and outcomes 
  • Work with neighbours, Landcare groups and public land managers for coordinated control programs 

These boxthorn control methods are relevant statewide across a range of habitats. Boxthorn is commonly found under paddock trees and in degraded environments, but can invade intact native vegetation.

  • Control boxthorn early before plants set fruit 
  • Use caution when handling boxthorn – thorns can penetrate boots and tyres 
  • Use chemical and physical removal in combination 
  • Follow up removal with monitoring 
  • Boxthorn may provide temporary shelter for native species in highly degraded habitats; consider staged removal and avoid spring when birds may be nesting 
  • Follow rules and regulations around chemical use 

Chemical Control 

  • Herbicides are sold under a variety of names. Follow label instructions. Active ingredients include: 
    • Picloram + Triclopyr (+ Aminopyralid)  
    • Metsulfuron-methyl 
    • Glyphosate  
  • Herbicide can be applied using several methods:  
    • Foliar spray – herbicide is sprayed directly onto leaves when plants are actively growing 
    • Cut and paint – stems are cut and herbicide immediately painted onto stem 
  • Use chemical control before fruits develop 

 

Physical Control 

  • Mature plants can be removed mechanically using machinery  
  • Small seedlings can be pulled out by hand 
  • Follow-up treatment to remove seedlings and regrowth 
  • Dispose of plant material responsibly to prevent spread 
  • Regularly inspect treated areas for regrowth 
  • Monitor for new seedlings under paddock trees and along fence lines 
  • Keep records of treatments and outcomes 
  • Work with neighbours, Landcare groups and public land managers for coordinated control programs 

African boxthorn – Agriculture Victoria 

Prescribed measures for the control of noxious weeds – Agriculture Victoria 

Chemical use legislation and regulation – Agriculture Victoria 

 Find your local landcare group 

Safety
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking land management. Follow all label instructions on equipment and local regulations. Be mindful of weather conditions. Do not conduct land management on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger or total fire ban. 
Further information
If you have a conservation covenant, please consult with your Trust for Nature regional staff member to ensure land management activities are in line with your covenant deed.

For further advice and support, please contact Trust for Nature.
Phone: (03) 8361 5800
Email:  trustfornature@tfn.org.au
Disclaimer
Trust for Nature and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication