Hedera L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1981, Flora Europaea. Volume 2. Rosaceae to Umbelliferae, Cambridge University Press : 314

1. Hedera L. 2

Stems woody, climbing or creeping, with numerous adventitious roots. Leaves simple, exstipulate, evergreen. Indumentum of stellate or peltate hairs. Flowers hermaphrodite, in globose umbels, which may be solitary or grouped in a racemose panicle. Sepals very small, deflate. Ovary 5-celled, surmounted by a conspicuous, domed disc, terminating in a single, short style. Berry globose, with 2-5 rugose, whitish seeds.

There is little agreement among authors on the taxonomic treatment of this genus, the number of European species recognized varying in different accounts from 1 to 6.

Literature: F. Tobler, Die Gattung Hedera. Jena. 1912. L. Lammermayr, Pflanzenareale 2(7): Karte 65-68 (1930). G. H. M. Lawrence & A. E. Schulze, Gentes Herb. 6: 107-173 (1942).

Leaves on non-flowering shoots usually less than 15 cm, distinctly lobed; hairs on young shoots and inflorescence 0- 15-0-4 mm in diameter, mostly with 6-16 rays 1. helix

Leaves on non-flowering shoots often 15-25 cm, scarcely lobed; hairs on young shoots and inflorescence 0-5-0-75 mm in diameter, with 15-25 rays 2. colchica