IVY
(Hedera helix)
Appearance
A perennial, woody, evergreen climber sometimes spreading on
the ground to form a carpet. Young leaves are three lobed while those
on flowering branches are egg shaped. Yellowish-green flowers in
terminal clusters appear between August and October. Fruit globular, black
at maturity.
Habitat
Found under trees and in rocky shady places, usually by water.
Common at higher elevations on the Troodos range. Usually above
1,500 ft but descends to 300 ft on the Karpas peninsula.
Uses and Properties
Ivy contains saponins, hederagenine and organic acids
and is a valued medicinal plant. Preparations from the plant are used as
anti-spasmodics, purgatives, and in cases of rhinitis and cataracts.
However, both fruit and leaves are irritants to the skin and must be used
with caution.
