Hedera helix L. – Family Araliaceae

General Characteristics

A climbing evergreen, semi-woody, perennial species. 

The leaves vary depending on light exposure (heterophylly): those in brighter areas have an entire oval blade, while those in the shade are lobed; additionally, branches with lobed leaves have adventitious roots. 

The flowers are grouped in umbrella-shaped inflorescences and are hermaphroditic, with 5 sepals and 5 yellowish-green petals. Flowering occurs in the autumn months, and pollination is entomophilous. 

The fruit is a black berry when ripe.

USES

The species is used as an ornamental and has several varieties with variegated leaves.

CURIOSITIES

Ivy is not a parasite, as its stems cling to plants without extracting sap. 

However, it can be harmful if it reaches the canopy, as it creates shading and leaf decay in the tree. 

The fruit of ivy is toxic to humans, but not to birds, which use it as food in the winter.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

A wild species in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.