Firethorn
Pyracantha spp.
Origin. S-W China.
Distribution in Canberra Region. Common in woodlands near gardens, especially in Canberra Nature Park and CUPP areas, and pine plantations.
Dispersal. Birds (currawongs, blackbirds, starlings, silvereyes).
General Description and Biology
A shrub or tree with more angular branching than Cotoneaster.
Leaves small, heart-shaped, waxy dark green above, pale below.
The sharp strong thorns along the branches contain a toxin that can give residual discomfort for a week or so.
Flowers pinkish; fruits bright orange in large clusters. Each fruit contains 5 seeds.
Tenacious roots.
After fire or spraying with specific herbicides, a proportion of plants usually survive.
Cutting the stem and dabbing with glyphosate is usually effective.