African boxthorn a prickly invasive weed
Published on 09 June 2022
The exceptional seasonal conditions presents a window of opportunity for effective control work to be undertaken now on African Boxthorn ”lyceum fercocissimum”. Liverpool Plains Shire Council Authorised Officer, Mike Whitney, urges all landowners and managers to be on the lookout and to consider implementing their control program this season, particularly as it is at a manageable presence in the area.
African Boxthorn is a very thorny bush which can restrict the movement of humans and most animals. Birds spread the plant’s many seeds, usually depositing them under trees. As plants grow in size, they take over the shaded area, denying access to livestock, and creating the perfect harbour for rabbits, foxes, feral cats and pigs.
African Boxthorn has been assessed and is listed as a priority weed not only in the Liverpool Plains Shire Council area but the whole North West region. It has also been declared as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) due to its potential to spread further as well as its economic, environmental and social impact.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor, Doug Hawkins said the declaration highlights the need for all landowners and managers to renew their weed control commitments, particularly for widespread weeds that display these qualities. This will help protect our natural environment and primary production industries in our local region.
Legal Obligation– Biosecurity Act 2015
A general biosecurity duty applies to all dealings (as defined) with this species. Any person who deals with this species who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk posed by the plant, a carrier or a dealing, has a duty to ensure the biosecurity risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
For further information including control options please refer to the:
NSW Weed Wise: www.weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Or Contact Liverpool Plains Shire Council Authorised Biosecurity Officer, Mike Whitney on 6746 1755.