Hedera nepalensis
| Hedera nepalensis | |
| Light: |    |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 49' |
| Width: | 16' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Hedera nepalensis (common name: nepal ivy)
Propagation: Seed - remove the flesh, which inhibits germination, and sow the seed in spring in a cold frame[1]. Four weeks cold stratification will improve germination[1]. 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[2].
Cuttings of mature wood, 12cm long, November in a cold frame[2].
Layering. Plants often do this naturally.
Cultivation: Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types[3][4][5]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade[6][7], 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[8].
Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges[9]. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as an insulation[10][6]. 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[8]. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrient from the sun and the soil[9].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[8].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas.
Habitat: Moist stones and tree stems at elevations of 1600 - 3000 metres in Nepal[11].
Medicinal: The leaves and the berries are said to be cathartic, diaphoretic and stimulant[12]. A decoction of the plant is used to treat skin diseases[11].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, lepidoptera
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Pollution: Tolerates environmental pollution.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Known Hazards: 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[13][14][15][16] although the leaves are eat
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ Brown, George. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Beckett, Kenneth and Gillian Beckett. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold, 1979.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.
- ↑ Manandhar, N. Medicinal Plants of Nepal Himalaya. Department of Medicinal Plants, 1993.
- ↑ Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Altmann, Horst. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus, 1980.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ Cooper, Marion. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. The Stationery Office, 1984.