What does it look like?
Boneseed is a bushy, semi-woody, branched shrub or small tree which grows to 2-3 metres. Young stems are ribbed and furry, becoming smooth as they mature. Leathery, bright green leaves (7 x 3.5 cm) have irregularly toothed edges and are arranged alternately on the stems. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers (2.5-3 cm diameter) are produced from September to February. These are followed by hard oval green fruit (6-9 mm) which ripen to black, each containing a hard seed.
Why is it a problem?
Boneseed rapidly invades coastal areas and displaces low-growing native vegetation, seriously affecting valuable native coastal ecosystems. It grows on sand dunes, scrubland, coastal cliffs, offshore islands and even rocky outcrops. It quickly forms an incredibly dense cover that shades out other plants, prevents regeneration of natives and limits access to coastal areas. It is highly flammable and will regenerate prolifically after fire.
A single boneseed bush can produce 50,000 seeds every year, and each seed can remain dormant for up to 10 years. It tolerates salt, fire, wind, poor soils and drought. While thought to be restricted to frost free areas, this may not always be the case. Absence of grazing animals also aids its establishment.
Control methods
Physical control
Hand pull all but the largest plants (all year round) when not in seed. Leave on site to rot down. Plants with seed must be buried deeply, burnt, or disposed of at a refuse transfer station. Follow up at six-monthly intervals to complete eradication.
Herbicide control
Stump swab (all year round) with either:
Glyphosate 100ml/L water; or Metsulfuron-methyl (600g/kg) 1g/L water; or Picloram gel; or Triclopyr (600 EC) 100ml/L water. Or
Spray with Glyphosate 10ml/L water + penetrant
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
More information
Boneseed is fairly established north of Cape Kidnappers through to Flat Rock but occurs only sporadically south of Cape Kidnappers or north of Flat Rock. We encourage sending us information on boneseed locations south of Cape Kidnappers or north of Flat Rock on 0800 108 838.
Related links
- https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/discover-our-research/managing-invasive-species/weed-biocontrol
- https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/environment/pest-control/biosecurity/regional-pest-management-plan
- http://apps.mpi.govt.nz/applications/nzpests-view/Article/688/BoneseedMinistry for Primary Industries
- https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/chrysanthemoides-monilifera-subsp-monilifera/
- https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Chrysanthemoides-monilifera.html
- https://pierpestregister.mpi.govt.nz
- https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/weed-list/boneseed/
- NPPA and the control of weeds | NZ Government
Management Programme
National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)
The NPPA is designed to prevent the sale, distribution and propagation of a set list of pest plants (the Accord list) within New Zealand. If allowed to spread further, these pest plants could seriously damage the New Zealand economy and environment.
More informationUnwanted Organism
An unwanted organism is any organism that's capable of causing harm to natural or physical resources (like forests and waterways) or human health. A number of introduced pests in New Zealand are classed as unwanted.
Organism of Interest (OOI)
Organisms of Interest are those specified as pests under our Regional Pest Management Plan that are capable of causing significant adverse effects on one or several of our Regional values. These species warrant being watch-listed for ongoing surveillance or future control opportunities.
Taxonomies
FamilyAsteraceae
TypePlants
GroupGroundcover
HabitatLand
Management ProgrammeNational Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)Unwanted OrganismOrganism of Interest (OOI)
