常春藤 chang chun teng

Hedera himalaica (Hibberd) Carrière var. sinensis Tobler, Hedera 79. 1912; H. potaninii Pojarkova; H. robusta Pojarkova; H. shensiensis Pojarkova; H. sinensis (Tobler) Handel-Mazzetti.

Shrubs scandent. Young branches with ferruginous scales. Petiole 2-9 cm, slender; leaves dimorphic, those on sterile branches entire or 3-lobed, usually triangular-ovate or triangular-oblong, rarely triangular or sagittate; those on fertile branches elliptic-ovate or elliptic-lanceolate, rarely ovate or lanceolate, blade glabrous or with sparse scales abaxially, venation distinct on both surfaces, base broadly cuneate, margin entire, apex acuminate. Inflorescence a terminal umbel or a small raceme, with ferruginous scales; primary axis 1-3.5 cm. Calyx rim ca. 2 mm, subentire. Petals 5, 3-3.5 mm. Ovary 5-carpellate. Fruit red or yellow at maturity, globose, 7-13 mm. Fl. Sep-Nov, fr. Mar-May.

Forests, roadsides, rocky slopes, usually climbing on trees or rocks; from near sea level to 3500 m. Anhui, Fujian, S Gansu, Guang dong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, S Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, S Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang [Laos, Vietnam].

This taxon is used medicinally and as an ornamental.

Hedera nepalensis var. nepalensis is native to Nepal and Thailand.