Another Araliaceae
Ginseng is a member of this family. Unlike her cousin the humble ivy, regarded as a pest plant by many humans, Ginseng is a multi billion pound industry, highly regarded for its medicinal properties.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Araliaceae: the plant family that includes common ivy
Marsh Pennywort is the only other UK native from this family that I have read about, but not found yet. Unfairly maligned, our common ivy is probably the plant most vital to the survival of wild animals.
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Hedera Helix
Ivy, Bindwood, Lovestone
Evergreen. Clinging roots on the stem. Plant up to 30 metres high.
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Pretty yellow autumn flowers, vital for the Ivy bee, a ground nester who times her emergence with the plant's flowering period. If you find these little mounds of soil on your lawn and see bees emerging, let them do their thing. It is all over in an afternoon and they are unlikely to sting.
The flowers give way to a highly nutritious berry (NOT FOR US TO EAT!) for winter thrushes - (Fieldfare, top, and Redwing) frequent visitors to the borough. Butterflies, moths, mammals; so many rely on this plant. Please take advice on management from an expert before you pull it down.
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SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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