HEDERA HELIX: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, PROPERTIES, CARE - BIOLOGY - 2025

Hedera helix is an evergreen climbing plant that belongs to the Araliaceae family of the Apiales order. Native to Europe, Asia, North Africa, and ubiquitous in America, it has been used for centuries for therapeutic purposes.

It is a woody plant whose climbing stems can reach up to 30-40 m in length, since it grows by climbing on trees or walls. Its bright green leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers grouped in corymbs are characteristic, the fruit is a toxic berry.

Hedera helix. Source: pixabay.com

It grows in shady and humid environments in understory or rocky areas, being a cosmopolitan species that adapts to various climatic conditions. Despite being an ornamental species, its main use is as a medicinal plant, the leaves and fruits contain certain active principles that provide therapeutic properties.

Among the active principles are saponins, glycosides and tannins, such as hederin, folliculin and inotisol, as well as organic acids and iodine. Each one with specific therapeutic properties, for example, saponins act as expectorants favoring the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory system.

Hedera helix extracts have a bronchodilator and expectorant effect, being indicated for the natural treatment of coughs. Its consumption allows to reduce bronchial secretion, reduce inflammation of the respiratory passages, facilitate the elimination of mucus, regulate dry cough and relieve bronchial symptoms.

Ivy is a rustic plant that supports certain adverse conditions, but to keep them healthy, hot and dry environments should be avoided. During the summer and spring it is recommended to spray frequently and have adequate light.

General characteristics

Appearance

Evergreen climbing plant of woody consistency, characterized by its strong adventitious roots along the stem that allow it to climb. It can reach more than 40 m in length, with its average annual growth of 30-45 cm.

Leaves

The simple, alternate, leathery and bright green leaves are triangular, ovate or reniform in shape and can be either trilobed or pentalobed. Two types of leaves are distinguished, the strictly lobed ones present on non-floriferous branches and those lacking lobes on floriferous branches.

They have a long petiole that varies from green to deep red. The color and shape of the leaves depends on each variety, but they are generally lobed and green or variegated.

flowers

The small yellowish-green flowers are arranged in simple globular umbels with very short and hanging internodes, or forming a corymb. Flowering usually occurs in mid-fall only on plants over 8-10 years old.

Fruit

The fruit is a globose black berry of 5-8 mm in diameter and contains 2-5 seeds inside. Its juicy pulp has certain secondary metabolites that can be poisonous or toxic to animals and man.

Inflorescences of Hedera helix. Source: AnRo0002

Chemical composition

In the leaves, the main active principles are the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol-3-rutinoside, iodine and the saponins a-hederin, hederagenin, cauloside and glucopyranosyl-hederagenin. As well as the caffeic and chlorogenic polyphenolic acids, traces of the alkaloid emetine, campestrol phytosterols, epinasterol, stigmasterol and sitosterol, b-elemene and germacranene sesquiterpenes, and the polyacetylenes falcarinone and falcarinol.

The woody stem gives off a gum resin with traces of the polyacetylene ketone falcarinone and saponins. The fruits contain essential oils, hederotanical acid, helixosides a and b in lower concentration and hederin saponin in higher concentration.

Saponins exert an antimicrobial and antiviral action, being effective in controlling fungi such as Candida albicans and Microsporum canis. In addition, in combinations with certain polyphenolic compounds, they are the main responsible for the antispasmodic and expectorant effects.

Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Plantae

- Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

- Division: Magnoliophyta

- Class: Magnoliopsida

- Subclass: Asteridae

- Order: Apiales

- Family: Araliaceae

- Subfamily: Aralioideae

- Tribe: Schefflerieae

- Gender: Hedera

- Species: Hedera helix L.

Etymology

- Hedera: the name of the genus comes from the Latin term "haerere", which means "to adhere", due to its ability to cling to branches and walls.

- helix: the specific adjective derives from the ancient Greek word for "twist or turn."

Common name

- It is commonly known as ivy, common ivy, tree ivy or ivy.

Synonymy

- Hedera poetarum Bertol.

- Hedera poetica Salisb.

Varieties

- Hedera helix subsp. helix

- Hedera helix subsp. rhizomatifera McAll.

- H. helix forma poetarum (Nicotra) McAll. & A. Rutherf.

Ripe fruits of Hedera helix. Source: Forest & Kim Starr

Habitat and distribution

Hedera helix is ​​a perennial and climbing plant that grows on rocky, rocky, scree, vertical walls and on walls of all kinds. It is located under the understory growing on the bark of conifers and different species of the plant community of the Quercus - Fagatea class.

It is a native species distributed throughout Europe, which is widely located in the temperate regions of Asia and North Africa. It is located from sea level to 1,400 meters above sea level, cultivated as an ornamental, there are more than 40 different varieties in shape and color.

Properties

Common ivy is a medicinal plant with different active ingredients that can be used as a home remedy to relieve coughs. It is also used in the production of cosmetic products against cellulite and wrinkles, and in pharmacology as a syrup to calm respiratory disorders.

Indeed, ivy has analgesic, soothing, healing, stimulating, expectorant, moisturizing, lipolytic and vasodilating properties. In fact, its consumption is indicated to treat ailments related to the common cold, bronchitis, laryngitis, compulsive cough or cough with phlegm.

Thanks to its expectorant effect, it facilitates the expulsion of mucus and phlegm from the lungs, increases the reflux of bronchial secretions and regulates the irritation of the gastric mucosa. In this way, its consumption allows to alleviate the respiratory tract, being recommended in flu or cold conditions.

On the other hand, its leaves contain mineral salts and tannins that act as pain relievers and healing agents to heal sores and wounds. In addition, the saponins present in the plant favor the elimination of cellulite and control varicose veins.

Likewise, it is recommended for the treatment of liver diseases, biliary and basal problems, rheumatism and certain types of arthritis such as gout. In addition, its active principles act as a dewormer to combat lice and from the tannins a dye is obtained to revive the black color.

Hedera helix on a tree. Source: Jonathan Hornung

Toxicity

Nowadays, reports of contact dermatitis problems related to ivy are very common. Hypersensitivity reactions to exposure to saponins and the alkaloid emetine present in its leaves and fruits are usually present.

Likewise, the polyacetylene allergens of falcarinol and didehydro falcarinol are reported, causing contact injuries to the hands, forearms, face and neck. The main symptoms are manifested as blisters, erythema and eczematous dermatitis, which is why it is considered an occupational disease among gardeners.

On the other hand, ripe berries have a high content of the triterpenoid a-hederin saponin, which has a toxic effect. Its use in herbal medicine as an emetic and purgative ingredient has caused toxicity problems or allergic reactions in sensitive people.

The highest concentration of the glucoside a-hederin is located in the berries, although the leaves contain the same principle in a lower concentration, but equally toxic. The characteristic symptoms are hyperactivity, intense thirst, gastrointestinal disorders, lack of coordination, fever, respiratory distress, even the person can fall into a coma.

The consumption of 2-3 fruits can cause a toxic picture in children or hypersensitive people followed by nausea, vomiting and psychomotor disturbances. On the contrary, if the consumption is of 5-12 fruits, it can generate a respiratory collapse that causes death in a few minutes.

In the field, intoxication of cattle or goats due to the frequent intake of fruits of this species is very common. Symptoms are manifested as difficulty walking or ataxic gait, excitement and moaning in pain, recovery occurs within 2-3 days.

Contraindications

- Its consumption is restricted during pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions and subsequent abortion.

- During lactation, its intake can generate fevers and convulsive states in the infant.

- The presence of iodine in some medicines made from ivy can cause problems in patients with hyperthyroidism.

- Its ingestion or topical application is not recommended in children under 2 years of age.

Hedera helix on construction. Source: DerHexer

Precautions

- Do not exceed the recommended dose.

- Do not administer to children 2-5 years old without a medical prescription.

- Avoid its intake for more than fifteen days in a row.

- After ingesting in any form, extract, decoction or syrup, if an allergic reaction is observed, suspend its use immediately and consult a doctor.

Interactions

- Hederin has hemolytic capacity, so certain medications can cause nerve damage, headaches, colic and abdominal pain.

- Direct contact with the skin of leaves and mainly berries, can cause dermatitis, vesicles and blisters, due to the presence of the polyacetylene alcohol falcarinol.

- The leaves and shoots have star-shaped hairs that can cause an allergic condition in case of contact with the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes.

Variegated variety of Hedera helix. Source: pixabay.com

Care

Spread

Common ivy (Hedera hélix) is an ornamental plant that adapts to growing indoors, either in pots or hanging baskets. In the garden it is used to cover walls, columns or pergolas due to its ability to be attached to any structure.

The proper method for its propagation is through cuttings taken from the fertile branches. Usually, apical cuttings 8-10 cm in length are cut, trying to maintain 2-3 nodes with leaves for each cutting.

The cuttings are sown directly on the final pot using a fertile substrate, with a high content of organic matter and good drainage. It is convenient to keep the pots under nebulization and an average temperature of 20 ºC, keeping the substrate moist until the beginning of rooting.

Under greenhouse conditions, rooting starts at 15-20 days, green varieties root faster than variegated varieties. Common ivy is a species that can multiply at any time of the year, as long as environmental conditions are taken care of in its initial phase.

Requirements

It requires well-drained soils, for transplantation you can use garden soil mixed in equal parts of sand and peat. Once a vigorous plant is obtained, it can be transplanted into the garden on moist, fertilized soil in early spring.

Although it grows widely in the shade in the wild, when grown in pots it requires morning or afternoon sunlight. Direct light should be avoided, but avoiding excessive semi-shade. Variegated varieties require good sun exposure, otherwise they turn green.

It grows in environments with average temperatures between 12-20 ºC, a little higher for variegated varieties. It is tolerant to occasional frosts and has adapted to the anthropic and polluting conditions of cities.

It is a drought resistant plant, which adapts to dry and rocky environments, however, it is advisable to keep the soil moist. During the summer it is recommended to water vigorously every 2-3 days, during the winter once a week.

Illustration by Hedera helix. Source: Amédée Masclef

Driving

The fertilizer is applied during the spring and summer seasons, interspersing the application of organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers depending on the development of the crop. During the beginning of spring it is advisable to apply a foliar fertilizer to recover the leaves after winter.

The plant requires maintenance pruning to control its growth and favor its lateral development. Pruning is carried out once or twice a year, eliminating the apical shoots and directing the growth as appropriate.

In indoor plants, pruning can be done during the spring. In outdoor plants on walls or rockeries, it is done at the beginning of summer.

Under high temperature conditions and very dry environments, it can be attacked by mealybugs or spider mites. Mealy bugs suck and suck the sap from leaves, spider mites cause brown spots on the leaves which then dry out and fall off.

Regarding diseases, some pathogens Colletotrichum sp., Glomerella sp., Phyllosticta sp., Ramularia sp. and Septoria sp. they cause wilting of the plant. For its part, the bacterium Xanthomonas hederae produces brown spots on the leaves and rot on the stem.

References

1. The cultivation of Ivy (2018) Infoagro Systems, SL Recovered in: infoagro.com
2. Fonnegra G., Ramiro & Jiménez R., Sivia L. (2007) Medicinal Plants approved in Colombia. Editorial University of Antioquia. 2nd edition. Health Collection / General Interest. ISBN: 978-958-655-999-7
3. Hedera helix L. (2015) CONABIO - National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity. Rapid Invasivity Assessment Method (MERI) for exotic species in Mexico.
4. Hedera helix L. (2007) Official Monograph Instituto Salud Pública de Chile. Recovered at: cybertesis.uach.cl
5. Hedera helix L. (2019) Catalog of Life: 2019 Annual Checklist. Recovered at: catalogueoflife.org
6. López Espinosa, JA (2018) Ivy, Yedra. Hedera helix (Araliaceae). Region of Murcia Digital. Recovered at: regmurcia.com
7. Morfin-Maciel, BM, Rosas-Alvarado, A., & Velázquez-Sámano, G. (2012). Anaphylaxis due to ingestion of ivy syrup (Hedera helix). Report of two cases. Rev Alerg Mex, 59, 31-36.
8. Rosas-Alvarado, A., & Morfín-Maciel, B. (2013). Cutaneous reactivity to the extract of the pollen of common ivy (Hedera helix) in patients with allergic diseases. Allergy Magazine México, 60 (3), 105-109.