Hedera nepalensis K.Koch

Stem Morphology

Morphology: The stem of Hedera nepalensis K.Koch is creeping or climbing, reaching up to 30 meters in height, and grows adventitious roots.

General Foliage Characteristics

This ivy is evergreen, with dark green, glossy, glabrous, leathery foliage that is lighter in color on its underside.

Leaf Shape and Structure

Leaves can be lanceolate, oval, or lobed, with usually 3 odd, triangular lobes; the leaf base is wedge-shaped or heart-shaped, and the leaf tip is slightly pointed or blunt.

Flower Arrangement and Sexuality

Flowers are bisexual, small, and 5-parted, arranged in ovate panicles.

Inflorescence and Flower Stalks

Flower stalks, which measure 7–12 mm in length, and the inflorescence are hairy.

Calyx and Petal Features

The calyx has entire margins and is persistent. Petals are yellow.

Stamen and Style Morphology

There are 5 stamens, with anthers 1–2 mm long. The style is short and single.

Fruit Characteristics

The fruit is a drupe, flattened, 5–7 mm long and 5–10 mm wide, and colored orange to red.

Flowering Period

Ecology: This species flowers from October to April.

Toxic Compounds

All parts of the plant are toxic, as they contain saponins such as hederin.

Toxic Effects

These saponins irritate the skin and conjunctiva of the eyes; ingestion causes gastrointestinal and nervous system disturbances, and may lead to hemolysis of red blood cells.

Habitat and Growth Habit

Hedera nepalensis K.Koch mostly grows in moist soil in shaded areas at elevations of 1000–3000 m, climbing over rocks and tree trunks using its adventitious roots.

Horticultural Use

It is rarely used as a ground cover or decorative climber in gardens and parks.

Frost Resistance

It has high frost resistance, tolerating conditions down to USDA hardiness zone 8.

Recognized Subtaxa

Two varieties or subspecies are recognized: Hedera nepalensis var. nepalensis, and Hedera nepalensis K. Koch var. sinensis (Tobler) Rehder, which occurs in China.