The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Nepal Ivy

General Information

Hedera nepalensis is a Evergreen Climber up to 15.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

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[].
The plant is said to be poisonous in large doses[, , , ] 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[].
The sap can cause dermatitis with blistering and inflammation. This is apparently due to the presence of polyacetylene compounds[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitat

Moist stones and tree stems at elevations of 1600 - 3000 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types[, , ]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade[, ], though it may not flower in such a position[].
This species is not hardy in all parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5 to -10°c[].
Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges[]. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as an insulation[, ]. 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[]. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrient from the sun and the soil[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - remove the flesh, which inhibits germination, and sow the seed in spring in a cold frame[]. Four weeks cold stratification will improve germination[]. 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, mid summer in a shady position in a frame. Good percentage[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 12cm long, late autumn in a cold frame[].
Layering. Plants often do this naturally.