Aside from wattles, cape ivy
would have to be the most distinctive plant at this time of the year in Gippsland, coating the landscape with patches of bright yellow. A perennial plant that grows as a ground cover or climber (given the opportunity), cape ivy is a problem plant to both native bush lands and household gardens. It forms a thick mat that smothers all vegetation within its 10m high reach.
Cape ivy, as with English ivy will only flower and produce seed on parts of the plant that become vertical i.e. climb up trees.
Therefore when controlling, start with the vines growing up the tree to prevent flowering and further spread by seed. Cut climbing stems with secateurs and leave to die in shrubs or tree. Immediately paint with a suitable herbicide any cut stump that is to be left in the soil. For larger infestations spray foliage with herbicide, taking care to avoid spraying any native vegetation that the plant is climbing through. If using herbicide, paint/spray when the plant is actively growing from June to September. If controlling cape ivy in a garden situation, consider replacing it with a suitable plant such as native Clematis. There are a number of different types of Clematis plants to choose from, each suited to a range of conditions.
When controlling unwanted plants, whether it’s in your local patch of bush or burkes backyard next door, it’s important to have the end result in mind. Having a mental picture of what you want to achieve will steer you in the right direction and make the end result all the more satisfying!
