Boxthorn is an increasing problem throughout the district. Originally introduced as a garden plant, boxthorn is now spreading from former house sites to along road ways and fence lines. It is spread by birds eating fruit and dispersing the seed as they move through and roost in vegetation, roadways and fences.
Boxthorn is an easily recognisable plant during the cooler months with its distinctive bright green leaves making it stand out in the Mallee scrub. But during the drier months, Boxthorn shed their bright leaves which make it difficult to spot. During this dormant phase, Boxthorn can only be controlled by cutting the plant off at the base and painting the stump with herbicide. In the coming weeks, MEEP crews will be attempting to eradicate boxthorn from much of the district by undertaking a sweep of road sides and local reserves.