Authorities in Cape Town have called for urgent containment of an invasive climber- the English Ivy, Ivy or Hedera canariensis and Hedera helix.
They want the invasive plant, posing a threat to the City’s environment, to be controlled and contained, now, in Winter.
The plant is actually from Europe and is from the Araliaceae family.
But now, it is taking over Cape Town.
If left unmanaged, it can smother and cause dieback, blocking the sunlight and subsequently adding weight to distressed trees. It also outcompetes and displaces local plants, harming biodiversity.
The Ivy is listed as a Category 3 invasive species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) (Act 10 of 2004).
Francine Higham, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Services and Health, said “we urge residents to take action this winter, while the plant is dormant. If we all do our part, we can protect our urban forests and biodiversity.”
Ways you can get involved
- Log sightings on the iNaturalist app and website to help the City track infestation.
- Manually pull out the Ivy stems and roots. The stems can be removed from the ground of a standing tree. Upper vines can be left to rot since they will die if they are not rooted.
- Follow up regularly to remove any new growth.
- Apply appropriate control methods to remove/control the infestation of Hedera spp. in persistent cases.
- Dispose responsibly – never dump trimmings in natural areas where Ivy can re-root and spread. A good option is to dry the vine clippings on a tarp (plastic or canvas sheet) or on a paved surface, then shred them. Another method is to put the vines in black trash bags and leave them in the sun for several weeks, until they’ve ‘cooked’ enough to be non-viable.
Picture: CoCt