Purdue
University
Consumer Horticulture
Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
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Purdue
University
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By Mary Welch-Keesey, Purdue University Consumer Horticulture
Specialist, and Martha Bailey, volunteer, at
White River
Gardens
ENGLISH IVY Hedera helix
This evergreen, woody vine has both juvenile and adult foliage. The juvenile leaves, with which we are most familiar, are lobed and carried on aerial, root-bearing stems. The adult foliage appears on stiff nonclimbing and rootless stems producing rounded, not lobed, leaves. Ivy is not a parasite and does not harm the trees and walls on which it climbs. Ivy is associated with Holly in the traditional English carol and, along with Holly, is used as an evergreen decoration during the holiday season.
MYRRH genus Commiphora
This is a perennial whose use dates back to ancient times when it was valued as a constituent of incense and perfumes. Myrrh is a gum-resin obtained from several species of small trees which grow in the Middle East and eastern Africa. The dark yellow or reddish brown resin is exuded naturally or from incisions made in the bark. It is currently used as a fragrance component of soaps, cosmetics and perfumes.
CITRUS genus Citrus
There are about 16 species of evergreen, usually spiny shrubs or small to medium-sized trees in this genus. These are the familiar citrus fruits grown commercially in warm climates but they can also be grown has houseplants. The species include lemon (C. limon), lime (C. aurantiifolia), Mandarin orange (C. reticulata), and bitter orange (C. aurantium). Citrus fruits are used in beverages as well as included in wreaths and centerpieces for display during the holiday season. Pomadors (pomanders), made by inserting whole cloves into oranges, make sweet-smelling home-made gifts. Seeds from limes, lemons and oranges germinate easily.
CRANBERRY Vaccinium macrocarpon
This is a prostrate, mat-forming evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. The plants grow naturally in wet areas and are grown commercially in flooded artificial bogs. Cranberries are traditionally made into a salad served with turkey and dressing at holiday dinners. Cranberries can be strung together and used as garlands to decorate evergreen foliage.
FRANKINCENSE Boswellia carteri
Since ancient times this fragrant gum resin has been burned as an incense. Its source is an evergreen tree which has a gnarled and knotty reddish trunk. The resinous gum exudes from the bark in the form of brittle, glittering drops, having a bitter taste and giving off a strong balsamic odor when warmed or burned.
HOLLY genus Ilex
Ilex aquifolium (English holly) and Ilex opaca (American holly) are evergreen plants with spiny, deep green leaves. Red berries are produced on female plants (male plants are needed to serve as pollinators). Holly is used to decorate homes, churches and mangers at Christmas-tide, the green leaves providing a backdrop for the bright berries. This tradition derives from the Roman custom of sending holly to friends as a token of goodwill during the festival of Saturnalia.
MISTLETOE Phoradendron
Mistletoe is a parasitic shrub that steals most of its water and nutrients from host trees such as oaks and hawthorns. It has yellowish, evergreen leaves and white berries. The custom of exchanging kisses under the mistletoe is found in many European countries, the US and Canada. Both foliage and berries may be toxic.
Last updated: 6 April, 2006
For questions on this article, please contact Mary Welch-Keesey (mwelch@indyzoo.com).
Questions about this site should be sent to homehort@purdue.edu
The URL for this page is http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/WRG_holiday_traditions.html