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Lycium ferocissimum - Miers

Common Name African Boxthorn
Family Solanaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards Detached spines can penetrate the feet or pelt of both grazing and native animals, causing serious injury.
Habitats Coastal Plant Communities, Dunes, Riparian Forests, Savanna Woodlands. Widespread in coastal to semiarid inland habitats. Common on roadsides, railway embankments, watercourses, wastelands, and similar neglected areas [1-8]. In dry regions, it often grows in or around waterways [1-8].
Range Native to Cape Provinces, Free State, and Lesotho and introduced into Algeria, California, Cyprus, Morocco, New South Wales, New Zealand North, Norfolk Is., Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, Victoria, Western Australia.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn


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Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn
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Summary

Boxthorns have adapted to hot, dry conditions and drought tolerance and are often found in dry, desert-like environments. African Boxthorn (L. ferocissimum) berries, leaves, stems and roots are toxic to humans. They are highly resilient to heat and drought and are used as hedges or ornamental plants. It is invasive in some regions. The genus name Lycium derives from the Greek name lykion, meaning thorny shrub. The species name ferocissimum comes from the Latin ferox, meaning wild, bold, or fierce, and refers to the large spines that protect the bush [1-8].


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Lycium ferocissimum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Birds, Insects, Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

L. campanulatum E.Mey. ex C.H.Wright. L. macrocalyx Domin. L. macrocalyx Dammer.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit berries are NOT edible and are approximately 10 mm in diameter with a persistent calyx. They are initially green but ripen to bright orange or red. Berries are mostly globular but sometimes can be slightly ovoid.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None Known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedges and windbreaks. Saline tolerant. Lycium ferocissimum produces a dense thicket armed with spines, forming an impenetrable barrier to grazing animals. In its native range, L. ferocissimum has a positive effect on biodiversity, as the thorns protect germinating seedlings of several valued palatable shrubs from over-grazing in the Karoo of South Africa. L. ferocissimum is an important keystone restoration species, as its large fruit crops are attractive to birds, which might disperse other native plant species [1-8]. Lycium ferocissimum benefits several faunal species in its introduced range. It provides shelter for several species of endangered parrots and penguins and is a food source for various endemic marsupials, including several species of endangered bandicoots. L. ferocissimum also provides a valuable habitat and food source for native greater stick-nest rats (Leporillus conditor) in islands off the coast of South Australia [1-8]. There are no reports for wood use of L. ferocissimum, though it is likely that it would have been used as an incidental fuel, especially in dry coastal regions where it may be the only woody plant [1-8]. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Lycium species produce flowers rich in nectar and attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The fruit (Goji berries) is consumed by birds and small mammals. The plant’s dense, thorny structure provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small wildlife. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The thorny branches can offer overwintering refuge for insects and invertebrates, and the leaf litter adds to Groundcover, supporting beneficial organisms. Pest Confuser (Smell): Lycium species are not typically known for emitting strong scents that would confuse or repel pests.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Soil Tolerances: Light (sands, sandy loams), Medium (loams, sandy clay loams). Acid (pH 4.0-6.0). Neutral (pH 6.1-7.4). Free Soil drainage. Special soil tolerances: Infertile, Saline. Soil Types: Alkaline Soils, Alluvial Soils, Arenosols, Arid Soils, Cambisols, Clay Soils, Luvisols, Podzols, Regosols, Saline Soils, Sandy Soils, Volcanic Soils [1-8]. A woody, erect, perennial shrub with a deep and extensive root system (Roy et al., 1998). It can grow up to 5 m tall and 5 m wide but typically grows only 2-3 m tall and 3 m wide. It is particularly common on roadsides, railway embankments, watercourses, wastelands, and similar neglected areas. Large thickets reduce the productive value of grazing land and can harbour agricultural pests such as rabbits. The native range of this species is S. Africa. It is a shrub and grows primarily in the subtropical biome. It has been introduced into Algeria, California, Cyprus, Morocco, New South Wales, New Zealand North, Norfolk Is., Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Spain, Tasmania, Tunisia, Victoria, and Western Australia [2-5]. Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Adaptable to poor, rocky, or degraded soils. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging. Drainage: Requires well-drained soil but can survive in various soil types without prolonged waterlogging. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline. Saline Tolerance: Highly tolerant of saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal areas and salt-affected soils. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils and is often found in disturbed or marginal habitats. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth. It tolerates light shade but may grow less vigorously. Height: Typically grows to about 2–5 meters (6–16 feet) tall, forming a dense, spiny shrub. Pollination: Pollinated by bees, birds, and other insects that visit its small, tubular white to purple flowers. Temperature: Hardy to drought and frost, thriving in USDA zones 8–11. It is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates. Wildlife: Provides excellent habitat and protection for birds and small mammals due to its dense, thorny branches. Invasiveness: Known to be an invasive species in some areas, such as Australia, where it can form dense thickets that displace native vegetation. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant. However, it may act as a host for some pests like fruit flies, which can affect nearby crops. Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to control its spread and manage its thorny growth. Caution: In areas where it is invasive, management may be required to prevent its spread. It can outcompete native vegetation and form dense thickets that are difficult to remove.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Propagates easily from seeds dispersed by birds and animals that eat the fruit. Can also grow from cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

African boxthorn or boxthorn. Cape boxthorn. South Africa: bocksdorn, Slangbessie (snake-berry) [1-8].

Native Range

Native to: Cape Provinces, Free State, Lesotho.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

A major weed in Australia and New Zealand. Lycium ferocissimum produces a dense thicket with large spines. It was introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the 1800s as a hedge plant and has subsequently developed into a damaging invasive weed in these countries. Management of L. ferocissimum is challenging, as the taproot can produce new growth when broken [1-8]. Lycium ferocissimum can invade poorly managed and degraded pasture but is not known as a weed of agricultural or plantation crops [1-8]. The leaves are reputed to be poisonous to poultry, and poisoning of pigs by L. ferocissimum berries has been reported [1-8].

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Berberis lycium Shrub3.0 5-9 MLMHSNDM331
Lycium afrum Shrub2.0 8-11  LMHNDM123
Lycium andersoniiWolfberry, Water jacketShrub0.0 0-0  LMHNDM122
Lycium arabicum Shrub0.0 -  LMHNM122
Lycium australe Shrub1.0 -  LMHNDM122
Lycium barbarumGoji, Box Thorn, Matrimony vineShrub2.5 6-9 MLMHSNM433
Lycium berlandieriBerlandier's wolfberryShrub0.0 0-0  LMHNDM122
Lycium carolinianumChristmas Berry, Carolina desert-thornShrub1.5 7-10  LMHNM323
Lycium chinenseChinese Boxthorn, Chinese desert-thornShrub2.5 5-9 MLMHNM433
Lycium europaeumEuropean tea-tree, Box thorn,Shrub4.0 8-11  LMHNM323
Lycium fremontiiDesert Thorn, Fremont's desert-thornShrub3.0 0-0  LMHNDM122
Lycium pallidumPale Wolfberry, Pale desert-thorn, Rabbit thornShrub1.8 5-9  LMHNDM323
Lycium ruthenicum Shrub2.0 5-9  LMHNDM323
Lycium schweinfurthii Shrub2.0 -  LMHNDM222
Lycium torreyiSquawthorn, Torrey wolfberryShrub3.0 0-0  LMHNDM222

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Subject : Lycium ferocissimum  
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