Published on Thursday, 20 May 2021 at 9:42:27 AM
If you have African Boxthorn plants on your property you want to get rid of then you won’t want to miss out on free community workshops to learn how to treat this highly invasive weed.
The South African plant, which was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s as a hedge plant, has become one of Australia’s most widespread weeds that thrives in greater Geraldton’s climate and soil conditions.
City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Office Ross McKim said it is very challenging to get this particular plant under control.
“These plants spread by seed, suckers and even root or tree pruning fragments that either get left behind or when dumped elsewhere can take root and grow,” he said.
“The plants also produce flowers and fruit from old wood so not even pruning helps.
“It’s also a hardy plant that can handle drought, salt spray and sand blasting, it grows in partial shade and full sun and once established it is tolerant to grazing due to its spiny nature which displaces native vegetation and impacts biodiversity.
“Anyone who has this plant growing on their property or wants to help eradicate this weed in local reserves, is welcome to attend one of the workshops to learn how to combat this high invasive species with the use of Boxthorn Blitz Kits which are part of the program.”
Members of the community interested in combating this Weed of National Significance can attend one of two workshops. The first workshop will be held in Cape Burney from 10am-12noon on Saturday 29 May 2021 at the Cape Burney beach carpark. The second workshop, hosted by Chapman River Friends and the Geraldton Mountain Bike Club, will be held from 10am to 12noon on Saturday 12 June 2021 at Spalding Park in Bluff Point.
For more information on the workshops, or to RSVP you attendance, please call 9956 6600 or email environmentalplanning@cgg.wa.gov.au
For more information on African boxthorn visit the City's website here
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