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Cape ivy

Botanical Name Senecio angulatus
Family Asteraceae
Origin South Africa

Identification

Thick fleshy leaves with an angular shape and thick stems. More a scrambling shrub than a true climber. Flowers conspicuous yellow, borne in winter.

Habitats

Usually in drier, more open sites.

Impact to Biota and Ecosystems

Very heavy, rapid smothering of the ground cover and native shrubs up to 2 metres tall. Early recognition is valuable to halt spread.

Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources

Spreads out rapidly by runners.

Management

Management 
Physical Control

Slashing, mowing, rotary slashing and grubbing regrowth will all apply in various locations.
Slashing and mulching to the point where the soil appears bare between the piles of mulch has proven totally effective when done as the plant began to flower.
Disposal

Where practicable mulch the material with a mower and let it dry out. Composting may be feasible.
Chemical Control

Spray with Tordon Brushkiller during active growth periods. Rate

  • Knapsack 60ml Brushkiller + 10mls Penetrant/ 10 litres water.

Biological Control

  
Recommended Approach  Slash down to remove it off valuable shrubs. Deal with regrowth with spray, mechanical or hand operation according to circumstances and the size of the infestation.