Sir, – Frank McNally's Irishman's Diary of October 6th, on Ivy Day, was full of interesting information and humour, as usual. However, Frank says that ivy "is a parasite that kills or stunts the growth of other trees".
Michael Viney states in his column of March 2nd, 2019, that “ivy is in no way parasitic. It takes water and minerals from its own roots at the base of the tree, attaches to the bark by clusters of little rootlets that cling but do not penetrate and makes its own energy from sunlight. Lists of the insects and mites that feed on ivy and find shelter within it, run into scores of species, and the pollen and nectar it provides from its flowering, as late as November, is a key resource for pollinators – bumblebees, honey bees, hoverflies and wasps. Ivy’s glossy, dark berries provide winter food for thrushes, woodpigeons, blackcaps and more”.
Jane Powers, in her wonderful book, An Irish Nature Year, also spells out the contribution of ivy to the survival of birds, butterflies, bees and other insects.
She says that it is the most important autumn-blooming plant for insects and a crucial species for their survival. It is a sterling plant in December, like a busy hotel sheltering and catering for many creatures; there are berries for larger birds while smaller birds shelter among its thick leaves.
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The UK’s Royal Horticultural Society says, “ivy is not a parasite like mistletoe and does not penetrate a tree’s bark or roots, and has much wildlife value”.
Irish and UK consensus – what more could you ask for? I suggest that Frank kisses under the ivy this Christmas rather than the mistletoe! – Yours, etc,
BRIAN GILSENAN,
Bunclody,
Co Wexford.