Hedera L.
Genus composed of some 17 species of Palaearctic distribution. In the western Palaearctic, a single species has been traditionally recognised, H. helix, but recent studies have diversified it into several species. In North Africa it is composed of 3 native species. A fourth species is H. canariensis Willd. [H. helix subsp. canariensis (Willd.) Cout.], a species considered to be endemic to the Canary Islands that has been cited in some locality in SW Morocco. Dobignard (2002) noted that the material from Ida-U-Tanan (High Atlas) and the jebel Kest (Anti-Atlas) would merit revision. However, the presence of this species in the African continent remains unconfirmed.
Ackerfield, J. & Wen, J. 2002. A morphometric analysis of Hedera L. (the ivy genus, Araliaceae) and its taxonomic implications. Adansonia, Sér. 3, 24(2): 197-212.
Dobignard, A. 2002. Contributions à la connaissance de la flore du Maroc et de l’Afrique du Nord. Nouv. sér. 1. Journal de Botanique 20: 5-43.
McAllister, H.A. & Marshall, R. 2017. Hedera: The Complete Guide. RHS Horticultural Monographs. 429 pp.
Vargas, P., Mcallister, H.A., Morton, C., Jury S.L. & M.J. Wilkinson. 1999. Polyploid speciation in Hedera (Araliaceae): phylogenetic and biogeographic insights based on chromosomes counts and ITS sequences. Pl. Syst. Evol. 219: 165-179..
Key to species
1 Leaves large (8-11 × 8-10 cm), bright, with 3 slightly marked lobes Hedera algeriensis
1 Leaves medium sized (5-11 × 6-10 cm), with 3-5 clearly marked lobes, central lobe generally more elongated 2
2 Trichomes with many rays (6-24). Leaves slightly coriaceous, truncated or wedge-shaped at the base, with 3(5) lobes generally elongated and narrow, that mostly do not look like the typical leaves of an ivy Hedera iberica
2 Trichomes with few rays (4-9). Leaves relatively coriaceous, heart-shaped at the base, with 3(5) lobes short and wide, with shape typically considered as ivy Hedera maroccana
Updated by: J.A Garrido & F.J. Pérez García.