Lycium ferocissimum
African boxthorn
Overview
Lycium ferocissimum is a dense, spiny evergreen shrub growing 6.5-16 feet (2-5 m) tall and 6.5-16 feet (2-5 m) wide, forming an impenetrable tangle of rigid, interlaced branches. Stout spines up to 6 inches (15 cm) long arm the stems, and smaller spine-tipped side branches add to the thicket. The small fleshy leaves are bright to grey-green, 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long, and clustered along the stems, often dropping in drought. Small white to pale lilac flowers about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across appear singly through much of the year, followed by round berries 0.3-0.4 inch (8-10 mm) wide that ripen orange-red. Native to South Africa, it has become a serious environmental and agricultural weed in Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere, forming dense stands that harbour pest animals and exclude native plants. It tolerates drought, salt, and poor soils. The unripe green berries contain toxic alkaloids, and the long spines can cause puncture wounds and infection.
Native Range
Native to the Cape region of South Africa. It has naturalised as a weed across southern and eastern Australia, New Zealand, and other temperate and subtropical regions, where it is widely listed as a noxious species.Suggested Uses
This species is not grown ornamentally and is managed as an invasive weed. Its dense thorny thickets are targeted in control programs to protect pasture, native vegetation, and waterways, though the cover is sometimes used by small birds before removal.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6'6" - 16'
Width/Spread6'6" - 16'
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale lilacFoliage Description
bright to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight