Delairea odorata
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Delairea odorata (called cape ivy in some parts of the world and German ivy in others) is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It was formerly known as Senecio mikanioides. It is native to South Africa. The name cape ivy is also used ambiguously for Senecio angulatus, a different creeper.
| Cape or German ivy | ||||||||||||||||
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 D. odorata in Hawaii
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| Delairea odorata |
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[edit] Appearance and uses
Delairea odorata has 2 to 4 -inch multi-lobed leaves that somewhat resemble those of the unrelated English ivy. Its flowers are yellow. A feature that distinguishes it from Senecio angulatus are the small appendages at the base of the stalks of the leaves that are shaped like an ear.
This plant is grown as an ornamental houseplant for its foliage.
[edit] Growth
Delairea odorata is a vine that climbs up trees and will reach heights of five metres in suitable climates. Given time it will smother trees.
[edit] Ecological impact and control methods
Delairea odorata has become an invasive species in California, Hawaii, Oregon, New Zealand and Australia. The plant will cover shrubs and trees, inhibiting growth and will also cover ground intensively over a wide area, thereby preventing seeds from germinating or growing.
The creeper can be controlled or eliminated by a combination of physical and chemical methods. Unless the root system is removed or poisoned the plant will regrow. Young plants can be pulled out with their roots but older plants will break off leaving the roots in place.
The vines of mature plants need to be cut to about 0.5 metre (18 inches) above ground and painted with a weedkiller. Chemicals proven to be effective are: glyphosate (e.g. Roundup) and Escort. A penetrant is recommended in combination with the weedkiller.
Where the entire (uncut) vine needs to be attacked, then Tordon BrushKiller is effective but the supporting or underlying vegetation is also likely to be impacted for some months since Tordon has residual effect in the soil.
[edit] References
- Crockett, James (1972). Foliage House Plants. New York, NY: Time-Life Books, 142–143.
- Nelson, Dave (1999). Invasive Exotic Cape Ivy. Retrieved on 2007-05-07.
- Greater Wellington Regional Council, New Zealand. Greater Wellington - German ivy (Senecio mikanioides). Retrieved on 2008-01-16.
- Greater Wellington Regional Council, New Zealand. Greater Wellington - Cape ivy (Senecio angulatus). Retrieved on 2008-01-16.
- Auckland Regional Council. Tordon Brushkiller. Retrieved on 2008-01-16.
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