Environment

Boneseed

Boneseed.Boneseed. Common name:
Saltbush

 

Scientific name:
Chrysanthemoides monilifera

 

Regional classification:
Regional Pest Management Strategies - education, prohibited from sale and clearance in Community Pest Control Areas

 

National classification:
National Pest Plant Accord – banned from being sold, propagated or distributed

Description

Boneseed is an evergreen shrub reaching up to three metres in height.

 

Bright yellow boneseed flowers.Bright yellow boneseed flowers.
Source: Auckland Regional Council It is a native of South Africa and was introduced as an ornamental plant in 1945.

 

Leaves:

- dull green
- toothed
- covered with a cottony down

 

Flowers:

- daisy-like flowers
- produce bright yellow clusters from late winter until late summer

 

Boneseed gets its name from its hard, bone-coloured seed. This seed has a thin, fleshy cover - initially green but changing to black upon ripening. Up to 50,000 seeds per plant can be produced in a year and can remain viable for up to 10 years. Seed dispersal is by birds and water.

Why is it a problem?

Its tolerance of dry, infertile soils allows boneseed to colonise and establish easily in coastal areas in Northland, and regenerate prolifically after fire. Its vigorous growth will displace desirable plants, shade out native seedlings and reduce or prevent public access to coastal and beach areas.

 

It is highly flammable and a fire risk.

What can I do?

Biological control

Site Management:

  • Begin control at top of site, work along contours to prevent erosion & minimise reinfestation from above.
  • Easiest during spring flowering when visible. This also prevents seed being dispersed from plants cut later in the season.
  • Follow up 6-monthly.
  • Exclude livestock, prevent fire, maintain possum control and minimise soil disturbance.

Recommended approaches:

  1. Hand pull all but the largest plants before seeding.
  2. Cut larger plants & stump paint (100ml glyphosate /1L or 1g metsulfuron/1L or Vigilant gel).
  3. Spray (100ml glyphosate+20ml penetrant/10L or 5g metsulfuron + 20ml penetrant/10L). Follow up for seedlings required.
  4. Spray seedlings (if numerous) 5ml clopyralid/1L (will leave grass cover). Do not use clopyralid in home gardens.

Disposal:

  • Mulch.

Caution: When using any herbicide PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.

More information

For further information or control advice please contact one of our Biosecurity Officers at the Northland Regional Council on 0800 002 004:

 

Whangarei: Ross Johnson
Dargaville: Peter Joynt
Kaitaia: Doug Foster