Delairea odorata (previously Senecio mikanioides or S. scandens)
In the USA, this plant is known as Cape ivy. In NZ, the plant known as Cape ivy is superficially similar, but a different species (S. angulatus).
Hairless climber, leaves palmate with small auricles at base of stalk, flowers yellow panicles in winter. Auricle at base of petiole.
Flowers similar to groundsel; leaves and growth to other “ivies”. Cape ivy, S. angulatus, is very similar but without the auricles at the base of the leaf stalks; it also has ragwort type flowers.
Locally common in waste ground all over NZ. Often seen growing over blackberry.
The alkaloid sarracine has been isolated but may not be the main toxin. As the plant is closely related to ragwort, pyrrolizidine alkaloids may be present. Feeding trials show that it is toxic at more than 15% of the diet.
Only one case recorded in NZ in cattle.
Loss of condition, diarrhoea, irritability
Small necrotic spots on liver.
Clinical signs and history.
Symptomatic
Unknown
Connor, HE, The Poisonous plants in New Zealand, 2nd ed.,1977, Government Publications Ltd., Wellington
