Delairea odorata is a perennial climber with stems that reach up to 10m. Fleshy, lush, green, ivy-shaped leaf with 5-7 lobes. Leaves are arranged singly on alternate sides of the stem and are variable in size. Leaves are often shiny. Flowers are conspicuous clusters of small, unpleasantly scented yellow, daisy-like flower heads. July – September. The seeds are tiny with a crown of hairs which drop off after the seed has dispersed. Cape Ivy forms a thick mat on the ground layer, smothering out native plants. Used as a screen and on fences, it quickly climbs up trees and overtakes the garden and bush. Spreads by climbing over other plants.
• Seeds are spread by birds, wind, water, soil and dumped garden waste
• Cut stems will re-grow when conditions are suitable
• Plant fragments will grow into new plants
• Not widely available in nurseries but common at markets
Manual control
Start with vines growing up trees to prevent flowering and further spread by seed. Cut climbing stems with secateurs and leave to die in shrubs or trees. Gently hand pull or dig up stem runners. Follow the long runners to their source, carefully removing these and forking out main roots.
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
