Colchis ivy (Hedera colchica, Wochenschr. Gärtnerei Pflanzenk. 2: 76 (1859))

Family: Araliaceae

Author: (K.Koch) K.Koch

Bibliography: Wochenschr. Gärtnerei Pflanzenk. 2: 76 (1859)

Year: 1859

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hedera

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. Türkiye to W. Caucasus

Description

Colchis Ivy (Hedera colchica)

Description

Colchis Ivy, scientifically known as Hedera colchica, is a sprawling evergreen climber renowned for its luxuriant foliage. This robust plant hails from the family Araliaceae and thrives in a variety of habitats across its native range. It is appreciated for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes due to its dense, glossy leaves and vigorous growth habit.

Habitat and Distribution

Originating from Northern Turkey and the Western Caucasus, Colchis Ivy adapts well to different environmental conditions, making it a resilient choice for garden enthusiasts in many regions. Its ability to thrive in shaded areas as well as withstand some degree of sun exposure makes it versatile for various garden designs.

Botanical Characteristics

The leaves of the Colchis Ivy are notably large, leathery, and dark green, with a shiny surface that adds a touch of elegance to any setting. This plant exhibits a climbing habit, often using aerial roots to anchor itself to surfaces such as walls, trees, and trellises. Its ability to climb and spread makes it an excellent option for creating green walls or ground cover.

Cultivation and Care

Cultivating Hedera colchica is relatively straightforward, owing to the plant’s hardy nature. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from loamy to clayey substrates. While it flourishes in shaded or partially shaded locations, it can also endure some direct sunlight. Regular watering helps establish the plant, but once established, Colchis Ivy benefits from moderate watering, showing considerable drought resistance.

Uses in Garden Design

Due to its expansive growth and attractive foliage, Colchis Ivy is a popular choice for covering unsightly structures or bare patches of ground. It can be trained to grow up walls or over pergolas, adding a lush green backdrop to any garden. Additionally, its dense growth helps in controlling soil erosion on slopes and embankments.

Ecological Importance

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Hedera colchica plays a vital role in its native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and insects. The dense foliage offers shelter, while its flowers, appearing in late summer to early autumn, provide nectar for pollinators.

Reference

Wochenschr. Gärtnerei Pflanzenk. 2: 76 (1859), authored by (K.Koch) K.Koch, provides a thorough botanical description and the historical context of this species’ classification and nomenclature.

By incorporating Hedera colchica into garden landscapes, one not only enhances the aesthetic value but also contributes to the ecological balance by supporting local biodiversity.

Common Names

Eng: colchis ivy, persian ivy
Deu: kolchischer efeu
Dan: kæmpe-vedbend
Fra: lierre de perse, lierre du caucase
Swe: kaukasisk murgröna
Hun: kolchiszi borostyán
Nob: kjempebergflette
Nno: kjempebergflette
Cym: iorwg persia
En: Colchis ivy, Persian Ivy, Caucasian Ivy
Da: Kæmpe-vedbend
Fr: Lierre de Perse, Lierre du Caucase
De: Kolchischer Efeu
Hu: Kolchiszi borostyán
Nb: Kjempebergflette
Nn: Kjempebergflette
Sv: Kaukasisk murgröna
Cy: Iorwg Persia

Synonyms

• Hedera colchica var. variegata (Ed.Otto)
• Hedera colchica var. dentatovariegata (A.E.Schulze)
• Hedera colchica f. dentatovariegata ((A.E.Schulze) Geerinck)
• Hedera caucasica (Carrière)
• Hedera coriacea var. dentata (Hibberd)
• Hedera roegneriana var. arborea (Hibberd)
• Hedera coriacea (Hibberd)
• Hedera helix var. dentata ((Hibberd) G.Nicholson)
• Hedera dentata ((Hibberd) Carrière)
• Hedera colchica var. dentata ((Hibberd) Lawr.)
• Hedera colchica f. dentata ((Hibberd) Hibberd)
• Hedera helix var. roegneriana ((Hibberd) G.Nicholson)
• Hedera colchica var. arborescens (Paul)
• Hedera acuta (G.Nicholson)
• Hedera colchica f. arborescens ((Paul) Rehder)
• Hedera colchica f. flavovariegata (P.D.Sell)
• Hedera colchica var. rhombifolia ((Rupr. ex Regel) Boiss.)
• Hedera rhombifolia (Rupr. ex Regel)
• Hedera helix var. colchica (K.Koch)
• Hedera amurensis (Hibberd ex Lawr. & Schulze)

Distribution

• North Caucasus (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• France (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Fedinapina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2022 by Anna F (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Varrey Daniel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Marcie M. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by romain portes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Jaina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Michael Pavlíček (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Villaronga Lorenzo Lois Antón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Tecpal Patine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 11, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Thomas Bukur (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Zoe Garcia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by Matěj Rašík (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Jensel Shibahub (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Nicole Landes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Chiara Paoletti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Stefanoc Stefano (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Nov 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3036033)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90679-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hedera colchica (K.Koch) K.Koch)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth