Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Araliaceae
Species: Hedera helix
Hedera helix is an evergreen, common species of ivy in the UK,
and is widely spread across Europe. It is often seen climbing buildings or
trees, which it does by using specialised hairs called aerial roots which cling
to the surfaces. Hedera helix prefers non-reflective, darker, rough surfaces
with a fairly neutral pH of around 6.5.
Leaves - Dark, glossy green pale veins.
Flowers – Yellowish green, appear in clusters called umbels.
Fruit – Purple-black to orange-yellow, present in mature plants,
which ripen in late winter.
The flowers are very rich in nectar and act as a
valuable food course for bees and other insects in late autumn when food is
scarce, before many of the insects go into hibernation (such as wasps – the queen wasp constructs a golf ball-sized hibernation cell which needs to be in a sheltered place until late spring). Over 70 species of insects are attracted to
the flowers. The ivy covering also provides shelter for insects, birds, bats
and other small mammals. The ivy also attracts a very rare species, the golden
hoverfly. The best chance of seeing one of these is by going to ancient ivy-covered
trees. Some mature plants also produce berries, which are a nutritious food source
for birds, although slightly poisonous to humans (cause severe discomfort).
Also, at least 16 species of birds eat the berries that grow on the ivy.
Although it is often heard that ivy damages trees, and that
the weight of it can make them fall over, this very rarely actually happens and it should not be removed. It is not a parasitic plant and has a separate root
system in the soil where it absorbs its own nutrients, and its presence provides huge wildlife benefits. However, as Hedera helix can conceal defects or issues in the trees, sometimes it may need to be removed
to allow assessment of the tree’s health. It may also need to be removed to
conserve other plants such as lichens which grow on ancient trees.
As for growing on buildings, this is also not damaging – it is
often used in Europe for its ability to cool the interior during summer and provide
insulation during winter, and the protection it provides for the building
during extreme weather. However, in other countries such as the United States
it is classed as invasive and can choke other plants, and should be eradicated
where it is found in countries such as the US, New Zealand, and Australia.
So in conclusion, Hedera helix is not damaging and its growth
on the UEA grounds is a good sign as it increases the level of biodiversity on
campus by providing shelter and a food source to many different species of
birds and insects.