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Cape Ivy | CW0008 |
Coast Action/Coastcare
August, 2001 |  |
Introduction
Botanical Name: Delairea odorata
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Distribution
Weed Dispersal
Seed is dispersed by wind and water. Dumped garden waste, containing seeds and stem pieces, contributes to its spread.
Indigenous Look-a-likes
There are no Australian plants that resemble Cape Ivy. However it is similar to English Ivy, another environmental weed!
Identification
Form
CLIMBER- Dense, perennial, creeping, ground cover or climber.
Leaf
Fleshy, lush, green, ivy-shaped leaf with 5-7 lobes. Leaves arranged singly on alternate sides of stem and variable in size. Paired kidney-
shaped blades are present at base of large leaf stalks, but may be absent on older stems. Leaves are often shiny.
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Flower
Conspicuous clusters of small, unpleasantly scented yellow, daisy-like flower heads. July - September.
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Seed
A timy seed with a crown of hairs which drop off after the seed has dispersed.
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Management
Permission should be sought from the land manager before any weed control is undertaken.
Removal methods
Remove small and scattered plants first and then target outer edges of larger infestations. Best removed before seed is set. Fine roots form at well developed nodes along the semi-succulent stems. During removal these easily break off, remainingin the ground to develop new plants.
Small Plants
Start with vines growing up trees to prevent flowering and further spread by seed.
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Cut climbing stems with secateurs and leave to die in shrubs or trees.
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Gently hand pull or dig up stem runners. Follow the long runners to their source, carefully removing these and forking out main roots.
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Large Established Plants
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Treat as for small plants except carefully dig out roots or stems on the ground, or
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Immediately paint with a suitable herbicide any cut stump that is to be left in the soil.
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For large infestations spray foliage with herbicide, but avoid spraying any native vegetation that the plant is climbing through. If using herbicide, paint/spray when plant is actively growing.
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Disposal
Remove all stem parts from the ground as they will take root and regrow. Seal in strong bags and take to the tip. Alternatively, if removal from site is difficult, ensure stems are placed off the ground (on branches or a platform) to dry out and decompose.
Maintenance
Monitor sites regularly for regrowth or new seedlings. Heavy mulching with appropriate material will suppress new seedling growth. Hand weed repeatedly to remove any new seedlings or regrowth.
Life Cycle
The life cycle may vary according to seasons and site conditions such as soil type, aspect and location.
Replacement Plants
Replace Cape Ivy with appropriate indigenous plants. Encourage indigenous plant regeneration. Seek advice from you local indigenous nursery or your NRE Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator.
Herbicide Recommendations
- Always consider manual weed removal methods before herbicide treatments, to avoid the unnecessary introduction of herbicides into the natural environment.
- Information on up-to-date herbicide treatment is available from herbicide companies.
- Users of herbicides should read the label fully, follow directions carefully and ensure that correct precautions and procedures are applied. To do otherwise is at the user’s own risk.
- It is advisable for at least one member of any environment group to have undertaken an approved chemical safety course. See local TAFE courses.
Did you know?
- Cape Ivy is an invasive plant and a very serious threat to indigenous vegetation.
- It is a vigorous climber which strangles or smothers indigenous vegetation.
- Once established, the spread of Cape Ivy is usually vegetative and by seed.
- Cape Ivy can root from any stem parts that touch the soil.
- It especially likes moist areas.
- Cape Ivy was introduced as a garden plant and may be available from commercial nurseries.
- The botanical name for Cape Ivy was formerly Senecio mikanioides.
Feedback
New information is vital. Please inform your local DNRE Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator of your weed management results.
References
- Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., Robinson, K.E. (1992). Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Department to Natural Resources and Environment, & Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Melbourne
- Northcote City Council & Duggan, D. (1994). Weeds of Urban Waterways. Northcote City Council Parks and Gardens, & Yarra Bend Trust, Melbourne.
- Robertson, M. (1994). Stop Bushland Weeds. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc., Adelaide.
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The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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