Atlantic Ivy
Scientific name: Hedera helix L. subspecies hibernica (G. Kirchn.) D.C. McClint
Diagnostic features
Leaves usually mid-green, rarely marbled, usually lobed less than 1/2 way to base.
Hairs often pale yellowish-brown, with rays ± all lying parallel to leaf surface.
Chromosome number: 2n=96.
Distribution
The commoner taxon in Channel Islands, Ireland, and West & Southwest Britain North to Southwest Scotland, but with much overlap.
This subspecies is keyed out on Page 1028: Hedera helix in the Text Key.
Note
Hedera 'Hibernica' (Irish Ivy) is a well-known cultivar with large leaves and usually not or weakly climbing.
Hedera helix ssp. poetarum (Bertol.) Nyman (Synonym: Hedera helix f. poetarum (Bertol.) McAllister & A. Rutherf.), from Central & East Mediterranean, has brighter green, usually less deeply lobed leaves than Hedera helix helix and slightly larger yellowish-orange berries; it is grown and may persist in wild places. |
