THE IVY FAMILY (Araliaceae)

This is a family of trees, shrubs, climbers and perennial herbaceous plants, including many tropical as well as temperate species. Well known examples are Hedera helix (common ivy) and ginseng (a native of Korea used as a medicinal herb).

Leaves are often palmate, simple or compound, may have long leaf stalks and in some cases be heterphyllous (showing different forms in younger and older leaves). Flowers are usually small, 4 or 5-merous and produced in distinct clusters. Fruits are usually berries or stoned fruits.

(source: Wikipedia)