Clematis viridiflora explained

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]

Description

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]

Habitat

Unusually for an African clematis, it is a coastal species, often growing on dunes.

Medicinal usage

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 16 August 2024 . Plants Database . National Gardening Association Plants Database.
  2. Clematis viridiflora Bertol. . 710191-1 . 16 August 2024.
  3. Web site: Flora of Malawi: Species information: Clematis viridiflora . 16 August 2024 . www.malawiflora.com.
  4. Web site: 17 August 2024 . Plants of the World .
  5. Essig . Frederick . 17 August 2024 . A Primary Analysis of Clematis in Africa . Institute for Systemic Botany . 2.
  6. Web site: Clematis viridiflora Bert. – Encyclopedia of Life . 16 August 2024 . www.eol.org.
  7. Web site: Clematis viridiflora Bertol., Ranunculaceae, Prelude . 17 August 2024 . Société Française d'Ethnopharmacologie . fr-FR.