Clematis viridiflora (common name, Kwassakwassa)[1] is a perennial, climbing shrub in the family Ranunulaceae. The native range of the species is Kenya to Namibia.[2] Its Latin name, viridiflora, means "green-flowered."[3]
Clematis viridiflora is a species of tall, climbing shrub. Young stems are pubescent but become glabrous, and are longitudinally ribbed and furrowed.[4] Leaves are opposite, five or more foliolate, with leaflets broadly ovate, irregularly lobed and toothed. Flowers range in colour from pale green to yellowish-green. Sepals are thin and membranous.[5] Fruit is an achene.[6]
Unusually for an African clematis, it is a coastal species, often growing on dunes.
Clematis viridiflora is used as a traditional medicinal plant in Mozambique, where the roots and leaves are used as an inhalation to treat headaches.[7]