German-ivy (Delairea odorata, Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 1: 380 (1844))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Lem.

Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 3, 1: 380 (1844)

Year: 1844

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Delairea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cape Prov. to Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal

Description

German-ivy, scientifically recognized as Delairea odorata, is a prominent member of the Asteraceae family. Described by Lem. in 1844 within the annals of botanical sciences, this distinctive plant has since intrigued botanists and horticulturists alike.

Originating from southern Africa, German-ivy has a native range that extends from the Cape Province through Lesotho and into KwaZulu-Natal. These regions’ climates provide the ideal conditions for the plant’s growth, contributing to its robust and invasive nature in other parts of the world.

The plant is particularly noted for its ornamental appeal, which stems from its lush, trailing vines and bright, yellow flowers. It typically thrives in a variety of environments, including forests, woodlands, and along riverbanks, where it can often be seen clambering over other vegetation.

However, despite its aesthetic charms, German-ivy has garnered attention for its invasive capabilities outside its native range. In areas where it has been introduced, it can rapidly spread, often outcompeting local flora and altering ecosystems. This propensity for vigorous growth necessitates careful management to prevent it from overwhelming native plant species.

Overall, German-ivy presents a fascinating study of botanical adaptation and environmental impact, underscoring the delicate balance required when cultivating non-native plant species outside their original habitats.

Common Names

Eng: cape ivy, cape-ivy, german ivy, german-ivy, italian ivy, parlor-ivy
Deu: kap-efeu, salonefeu
Dan: slyngende brandbæger
Spa: yedra alemana
Swe: sommarmurgröna
Cym: creulys dail eiddew
En: German-ivy, Cape-ivy, Parlor-ivy, Climbing Groundsel, Cape ivy, German ivy, Italian ivy, African Ivy
Ar: سنيسيو صبار
Da: Slyngende brandbæger
Fi: Murattivillakko
Fr: Lierre d’Allemagne
De: Salonefeu, Kap-Efeu
Es: Yedra alemana, Hiedra alemana, Hiedra de jardín
Sv: Sommarmurgröna
Cy: Creulys dail eiddew

Synonyms

• Senecio mikanioides (Otto ex Walp.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Oct 28, 2021 by Zahra Farshid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Asturias K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by sam ali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Marta Pérez Diz (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Laksh Manan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Asturias K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Marta Pérez Diz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 28, 2015 by EOL − Leon Perrie (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2012 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Siqueira Kauã (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2020 by jenifer brouard (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Radhika Sugreevu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2015 by EOL − eustatic (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2021 by Salcedo Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Marlene R Ortiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Pinelopi Ts. (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 2, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Engel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 9, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:201136-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3134183)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Delairea odorata Lem.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb, Vine

Growth