Hedera helix - Common Ivy

 Common Ivy

By Lachlan Royle 

The common ivy is a vine plant that is found across Europe and western Asia. it is distinctive with its dark green glossy leaves and paler veins running through it. Its leaves form a very distinctive shape almost that of an arrowhead. Once common ivy matures it will produce flowers which are small and appear in clusters, most frequently they are a pale yellow but can also take a greenish hue. Ivy is found in a large array of habitats from urban to rural, it can often be seen adorning trees or hedgerows. Despite the common thought that it strangles trees this is actually a misconception. Instead ivy clings to trees pulling moisture through its own grounded roots as oppose to the trees moisture. In climbing the trees Ivy increases biodiversity by providing well-protected nesting sites for birds and inverts. It also acts as insulation for the forest in winter preventing hard frost from growing on the forest floor or the trees, thus saving many plants from certain death. Studies have shown that ivy supports up to 50 different species on average in its environment. 

Ivy has a strong history of symbolism and mythology, both the ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans held it in high esteem as it symbolized fidelity and love. It has also historically been seen as an emblem of fertility due to its vigorous growth and ability to cover surfaces. As an evergreen it has also frequently been brought into homes throughout winter to ward off evil spirits as it is seen as a protective plant. Further more and Ivy wreath was historically used to crown the winners of athletic competitions in Greece. 

At UEA if you take a small walk around the lake you are sure to see many trees covered in Ivy and as previously stated this is actually very beneficial to the ecosystem, they are not as many people perceive them to be; a pest species instead they should be merited for their positive impact on the ecosystem.