Hedera nepalensis


Hedera nepalensis is a species of perennial Ivy native to Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Afghanistan, India, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, at altitudes of about 1000–3000 m. Plants grow up to 30 m in height, with simple leaves ranging from 2–15 cm long, and yellow flowers.

Morphology

Flowers: bisexual, small, 5-fold, meeting within the fond owate panicles. Flower stalks and Flowering hairy. Chalice entire edges, retained. Petals yellow crown. Stamens 5, anthers 1–2 mm long. Pillar short neck, single, Fruit is a drupes, flattened, 5–7 mm long, 5–10 mm wide, with orange to red.

Ecology

The plant blooms from October to April.
Plant toxic, all parts are poisonous because they contain saponins, which are irritating to the skin, and conjunctiva of eyes, and after ingestion induce gastrointestinal nervous system, disturbances. Can occur hemolysis and erythrocytes.
It occurs mostly in moist soil in shade, at the height of 1000–3000 m as climbs over rocks and tree trunks by adventitious roots, rarely used as a ground cover or decorative climber in gardens and parks. Resistance to frost apparently large.
There are two varieties or subspecies: