Delairea is a plant genus within the family Asteraceae. It is classified within tribe Senecioneae. It contains only one species, Delairea odorata, which was previously included in the genus Senecio as Senecio mikanioides, and is known as Cape ivy in some parts of the world and German ivy in others. Delairea odorata is native to South Africa.
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. It has 4 to 12 cm multi-lobed leaves that somewhat resemble those of the unrelated English ivy. Its flowers are yellow with a sweet distinctive odour that some people find unpleasant. A feature that distinguishes it from. This plant is grown as an ornamental houseplant for its foliage.
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. It is also toxic to animals who eat it and to fish where it trails into waterways.
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. In Hawaii an introduced species of moth (Galtara extensa) for the biological control of Senecio madagascariensis proved to feed also on Delairea odorata.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
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