Nepal Ivy

Hedera nepalensis

Physical Characteristics

Hedera nepalensis is an evergreen Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Bog Garden; North Wall. By.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Cathartic Diaphoretic Skin Stimulant The leaves and the berries are said to be cathartic, diaphoretic and stimulant[243]. A decoction of the plant is used to treat skin diseases[272].

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[7, 10, 65, 76] 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[274]. The sap can cause dermatitis with blistering and inflammation. This is apparently due to the presence of polyacetylene compounds[274].