English Ivy

Two manifestations of English Ivy (Hedera helix).

An old chestnut tree has been completely covered by branches and leaves of English Ivy. Only a few parts of the tree come out of the thick layers of green vegetation. The tree is still alive but barely. In fact, the English Ivy does not strangle or parasitize it, but the tree suffers under the weight and the lack of daylight.

Here something completely different. Ground Ivy has found a vertical surface of a limestone rock and climbs it. In cold winter days its leaves turn red.

English Ivy gets its water and minerals from the soil. The little roots on its branches serve to attach itself to the rock surface. Its leaves can have many different shapes.