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Environment Main Global Warming Natural Disasters Habitats FRESHWATER

China: A Botanical Paradise in Peril

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Boston Ivy This deciduous, ornamental climber with suction-cup tendrils has a love affair with brick buildings. In the absence of a supporting structure, it clambers along the ground. Despite the nickname, Boston ivy is endemic to eastern Asia, though it's closely related to America's elegant Virginia creeper. The Virginian can be distinguished by its palmlike compound leaves, whereas the Bostonian has simple leaves that are just slightly lobed. Both species bear bright red leaves in the autumn and are considered rather invasive because they grow with unrivaled zeal. (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) Photograph by Jozsef Szentpeteri