Common Name
Capy Ivy, German Ivy, Parlor ivy, Italian ivy, Ivy groundsel
Scientific Name
Delairea odorata
Family
Asteraceae
Lifecycle
Perennial
Seasons of Growth
Cape Ivy flowers mainly during winter and spring. It is highly invasive and can spread rapidly in moist, shaded areas.
Key Distinguishing Feature
Leaves: Ivy-shaped, 5-7 lobes, glossy green above, silvery below, often with a purple tinge. Flowers: Small, yellow, daisy-like, lacking ray florets (petals), strongly scented on warm days. Stems: Purplish when young, becoming woody with age. Fruit: Small, reddish-brown seeds with a 'parachute' of fine hairs (pappus).
Cape Ivy is a perennial vine native to South Africa. It was introduced to Australia as a garden ornamental but has since become a significant environmental weed. The plant is a robust climber that can reach heights of up to 10 meters, smothering other vegetation and preventing the growth of native species. Cape Ivy has fleshy, glossy green leaves that are ivy-shaped with 5-7 lobes, and its stems are often purplish when young. It produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers in dense clusters from autumn to spring.
Methods of Control
Physical Removal:
- Hand-pulling: Effective for small infestations. Ensure all root and stem fragments are removed to prevent regrowth.
- Mechanical Removal: Use machinery to remove large infestations but avoid spreading fragments.
- Disposal: Collect and burn all plant material. Do not dump garden waste in bushland.
Chemical Control:
- Foliar Spray: Herbicides such as glyphosate can be applied to the leaves.
- Cut Stump Method: Cut the stems near the ground and apply herbicide immediately.
- Scrape and Paint: Scrape the stems and apply herbicide within 15 seconds to ensure effectiveness.
- Glyphosate: Various formulations for foliar application and cut stump methods.
- Clopyralid: Effective for spot spraying, especially in sensitive areas.
Prevention:
- Avoid dumping garden waste in natural areas.
- Clean vehicles and equipment to prevent the spread of seeds and plant fragments.
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