Practical
Plants

Hedera nepalensis

Nepal Ivy

an evergreen member of the Hedera genus in the family Araliaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Hedera
Foliage
evergreen
Growth rate
moderate
Height
15 m
Spread
5 m
Fertility
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the following notes are for the closely related Hedera helix and quite possibly are relavent here[K]. The plant is said to be poisonous in large doses[15][2][14][16] although the leaves are eaten with impunity by various mammals without any noticeable harmful affects. The leaves and fruits contain the saponic glycoside hederagenin which, if ingested, can cause breathing difficulties and coma[12]. The sap can cause dermatitis with blistering and inflammation. This is apparently due to the presence of polyacetylene compounds[12].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves and the berries are said to be cathartic, diaphoretic and stimulant[10]. A decoction of the plant is used to treat skin diseases[11].

Product or use
Cathartic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Stimulant
Product or use
Skin

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat
Moist stones and tree stems at elevations of 1600 - 3000 metres in Nepal[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - remove the flesh, which inhibits germination, and sow the seed in spring in a cold frame[4]. Four weeks cold stratification will improve germination[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a shady position in a frame. Good percentage[17]. Cuttings of mature wood, 12cm long, November in a cold frame[17]. Layering. Plants often do this naturally.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types[1][5][8]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade[9][13], though it may not flower in such a position[K]. This species is not hardy in all parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5 to -10°c[7]. Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges[6]. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as an insulation[3][9]. It does not damage the structure of a wall. Similarly, it does not harm large trees when climbing into them, though it can shade out smaller and ailing trees[7]. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrient from the sun and the soil[6]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[7].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-7011-2526-8

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  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

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  4. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

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  5. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

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  6. Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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  9. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩1↩2

  10. Medicinal Plants of Nepal Dept. of Medicinal Plants. Nepal. 1993-00-00

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  11. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2

  12. Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm

    ↩1↩2

  13. Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland.

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  14. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

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  15. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

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  16. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

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  17. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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