Botanical Name: Hedera maroccana
Family: Araliaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales
Genus: Hedera
Species: H. maroccana
Common Names: English ivy
Habitat:
Hedera maroccana is native to the Atlantic coast in northern Africa. It grows more rapidly and becomes established a good bit faster than the related Hedera hibernica and Hedera helix.It is quite common in the Canary islands and lives in slopes rock, soil, trunks of trees especially in Laurel forests dominated by Apollonias.
Description:
It is an evergreen climbing plant, growing to 20–30 m high where suitable surfaces (trees, cliffs, walls) are available, and also growing as ground cover where there are no vertical surfaces. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets which cling to the substrate.
The flowers of Hedera maroccana are small, greenish, gathered in large numbers in umbels, and the fruits are globular and black when ripe. Stems are green or greenish-brown, sometimes tinged with red or purple. This plant has broad slightly leathery leaves, 2 to 8.5 inches long, reddish petioles and up to five juvenile leaf lobes, regular in size and shape. Over time it was cultivated in gardens and used in floral arrangements.
Cultivation:
*Light: Green-leaved Ivies prefer shade; the variegated forms need bright light, protected from afternoon sun.
*Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
*Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, and keep a close eye on the plant over the following week. …
Fertilizer: Seldom needs fertilizing.
Propagation:
Hedera maroccana can be propagated by stem cuttings. Using a sharp knife, cut off 4- to 5-inch-long shoots. Pinch off the leaves on the bottom portion of the cuttings. Dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone.
Edible Uses:
Hedera maroccana offers some surprising benefits. As a houseplant, it may help to purify the air. When ingested, some research suggests that it may provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Medicinal Uses:In folklore medicine, it is used for the cure of benign warts.In Ayurveda it is used for Asthma,
Bronchitis and Ohronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Other Uses:
Hedera maroccana is an evergreen woody climber scaling the walls and covering the walls with a canopy of leaves. It is also grown as an ornamental plant.
Known Hazards: All species of Hedera contain toxic, irritant and allergenic compounds in all plant parts; they are especially concentrated in young leaves and fruit.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedera_maroccana
