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Delairea spp.
Overview
Delairea spp. is a genus in the daisy family (Asteraceae) with a single species, D. odorata, formerly placed in Senecio spp. and known as Cape ivy or German ivy. It is native to moist forests and stream banks of south-eastern South Africa, where it grows as an evergreen climbing and scrambling vine. The thin, twining stems reach 10-20 feet (3-6 m) and bear fleshy, ivy-shaped leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) wide with five to seven pointed lobes. In late autumn and winter it produces dense clusters of small, scented, rayless yellow flower heads. The plant spreads aggressively by rooting stem fragments and by wind-borne seed, and it is listed as an invasive weed in California, Hawaii, Oregon, parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, where it smothers native vegetation along coasts and waterways. All parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are poisonous to mammals and can damage the liver of livestock, and the foliage is also toxic to fish and aquatic life when it washes into water. Because of its weedy behaviour it is no longer grown ornamentally in most regions and is the target of control programs. In frost-free climates it persists as a fast groundcover and climber in shade.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern South Africa, in moist montane and coastal forests, forest margins, and along stream banks in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.Suggested Uses
In frost-free South African and Mediterranean gardens it has been used as a quick evergreen screen and shade groundcover. In most other regions it is treated as a weed to be removed rather than a garden plant, and ornamental use has largely ended.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread6' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in late autumn and winter, roughly November to February in the northern hemisphere and the equivalent austral months in habitat. The clusters of small yellow heads are scented and last several weeks. Wind-dispersed seed follows, though much spread is from rooting stem fragments.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight