Cape ivy smothers ground and low-growing plants by forming thick, long-lasting mats that prevent native plant seedlings from growing. It produces lots of seeds that live for a long time and are spread far away from parent plants.

• Size: Cape ivy forms a thick, tangled shrub growing 2–3 metres tall.
• Leaves: Cape ivy has fleshy, leathery leaves with one to three rough points on each side, with upper leaves smaller, narrower and sometimes smooth-edged.
• Flowers/seeds: Cape ivy produces clusters of yellow, ragwort-like flowers about 11 millimetres in diameter, followed by fluffy seeds.
• Distinctive feature: Cape ivy has scrambling, wiry-to-woody stems that form dense, tangled growth.
• Habitat: Cape ivy is found mainly in the Dunedin city and Otago Peninsula areas.

To reduce the spread of cape ivy in Otago and minimise or prevent negative effects on economic wellbeing and the environment, this plant is in the progressive containment programme of the Otago Regional Pest Management Plan (2019–2029).

Everyone in Otago must eliminate cape ivy on the land they occupy. This is to ensure infestation levels are reduced and threats to the environment are minimised.

Physical control:

• Slash plants and hand-pull any regrowth.

Chemical control:

• Cut the stump near the ground and paste it with a suitable herbicide gel containing either metsulfuron, triclopyr or glyphosate.
• Spray foliage using a glyphosate-based product with penetrant.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.  

Disclaimer: Mention of product trade names does not endorse these products nor imply criticism of similar products not mentioned. The Otago Regional Council does not give any warranty that the information is accurate or complete or that it is suitable for all circumstances.  

www.orc.govt.nz/capeivy