Cape Ivy / Ivy Groundsel (weed)

Weeds

21 June

Written By Glenda Scott

Delairea odorata

COMMON NAME : Cape Ivy / Ivy Groundsel

BOTANICAL NAME : Delairea odorata

FAMILY : Asteraceae

PLANT GROUP : Weeds

SIZE : Medium 2-5m

LOCAL NOTES:

Native to South Africa

Often confused with Climbing Groundsel Senecio angulatus which also grows widely at Sandy Point.

While it can also climb to 5 metres the growth is often lower: climbing tea trees, small buildings and fences around Sandy Point.

As its name suggests when the fine red purple stems are crushed it has a distinct smell. It is said to be poisonous to humans and livestock.

It can be easily pulled from the soil often having long runners which can be cut leaving the leafy material in the tree canopy. If consistently removed it can be controlled without chemical means.

It is winter flowering and has small yellow flowers.

It grows widely around the township on house blocks and there is a large invasion of the vine along the Roy Henderson Trail where it meets the Horse Track.

Contributor: HB

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