Appearance
"Delairea odorata" is a fast-growing vine that can climb to heights of 2–4 metres.The glossy and semi-succulent leaves, which are 3–10 centimetres long and 3–8 centimetres wide, are alternately arranged along the stems.They have 3-10 rather broad lobes. The upper leaf surface is light green, usually with a somewhat purple cast, while the reverse is somewhat silvery.
The plant's stems and leaves will die between late summer and early autumn, being superseded by new shoots that employ the old stems as climbing support.
Naming
German ivy is very similar to "Senecio angulatus", "Senecio tamoides" and "Senecio macroglossus". A feature that distinguishes this plant from "Senecio angulatus" and "S. tamoides" are the small ear-shaped appendages at the base of the stalks of the leaves and its pompom-like flowers which do not have obvious 'petals', whereas "S. angulatus" and "S. tamoides" have daisy-like flowers. Atlas of Living Australia has misapplied "S. tamoides" for its "D. odorata" observations in Australia.Distribution
This plant is somewhat scarce in its native country of South Africa, where it was originally found in the Drakensberg Mountains, on forest edges, at elevations above 1,500 metres, in moist areas. Its presence in coastal areas in South Africa is probably more recent. In California, it is generally found in the coastal fog belt, with a few specimens found inland, particularly in subtropical riparian sites that feature permanent moisture.Habitat
It is found in wetter, more temperate regions, but it may still be found in cooler subtropical environments, despite being frost tender. It prefers partial shade, but can withstand heavy shade. In cooler, damper areas, it can prosper in full sun. Despite its invasive nature, the plant is grown as an ornamental houseplant for its foliage. Its active growth is from early autumn to late spring, with a dormant period in summer.Evolution
The plant was introduced to the United States in the 19th century as a Victorian era-style houseplant. In the 1850s, in Geelong, the plant was described in the Geelong Advertiser, "the great stumps, over which the little boys played leap-frog, are either gone or covered with the Cape ivy". Furthermore, 1856 and 1864 columns in the Sydney Morning Herald mention a Cape Ivy observed on the dunes at Newcastle, New South Wales and Gulaga. In 1909, it was introduced as an ornamental to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Neal described the plant as, "both a weed and an ornamental."References:
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