Holly, Yew and Box 



The Ivies 



The Ivies form an important group of 

 evergreen shrubs which thrive almost anywhere 

 and are always presentable. All the known 

 sorts are included under one specific name, 

 though some scientists say that one variety, 

 himalaica, should be given specific rank. The 

 genus to which the Ivies belong is known as 

 Hedera, the species Helix, whilst the natural 

 order is Araliaceae. The " Common Ivy " to- 

 gether with its numerous varieties is found 

 growing in two totally distinct ways, one, the 

 juvenile stage, as a creeping or climbing plant, 

 and the other, the adult stage, as a stiff, dense 

 bush. The latter stage is usually attained after 

 a plant has reached the top of its support. This 

 variability has been taken advantage of by 

 horticulturists and a distinct set of bushes have 

 been obtained which are distinguished from the 

 climbing varieties by the title of " Bush or Tree 

 Ivies." In form and leaf colouring the Ivy is 

 almost as variable as the Holly, for it differs to 

 a very marked degree. In some instances the 

 leaves are very tiny, being scarcely an inch 

 across, whilst at other times they are 6 inches 

 or more in diameter. The outline also differs to 

 a great extent, for in some cases it is divided to 

 form a number of long narrow segments, whilst 

 again the margins are divided into several large 



260 



