Practical
Plants

Clematis buchananiana

a deciduous member of the Clematis genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
deciduous
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
6 m
Fertility
Bees, Flies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some if not all members of this genus are mildly poisonous. The toxic principle is dissipated by heat or by drying[9].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Tender young leaves - coked as a vegetable[6]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity[K]. The plant is used in Nepal to make marcha, a fermented cake from which an alcoholic beverage is distilled[6].

Plant part
Leaves
Product or use
Drink

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A paste of the roots is used as a poultice to treat swellings caused by inflammation[6]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[6]. The juice is also inhaled to get rid of coughs and colds[6]. A paste of the stem or root bark is kept pressed against the teeth for about 15 minutes to relieve toothache[6]. The juice of the plant is applied externally to cuts and wounds[6]. It is also taken internally in the treatment of indigestion[6]. The leaf juice is taken internally, and is also applied externally to the forehead, in the treatment of coughs and colds[6]. It is also warmed and placed inside the nose when treating sinusitis[6].

Product or use
Poultice
Product or use
Vulnerary
Product or use
Odontalgic
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Analgesic

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Kashmir to Tibet, Burma and western China.
Habitat
Warm broad-leaved to cool mixed forests, forest margins, generally growing on small trees and bushes, occasionally over rocks along the sides of streams at elevations of 460 - 3650 metres[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[2][3]. Sow stored seed as soon as it is obtained in a cold frame. Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible[2]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[2]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[2]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Internodal cuttings of soft to semi-ripe wood, late spring in sandy soil in a frame[3]. Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[3]. Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[3].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade and its shoots growing up to the light[2]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[1][3]. Dislikes light sandy soils[1]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[3]. A very variable species, it varies considerably in hardiness according to the region from which the plant was first obtained - those obtained from the higher limits of its range being more cold-tolerant[7]. It grows best in the milder or sub-tropical areas where its late-flowering habit can be fully appreciated. In colder areas the flowers are often badly damaged by frost[7]. A vigorous plant, capable of putting out new shoots up to 4 metres long in a season[7]. A twining plant, the leafstalks wrap themselves around twigs and branches for support. When a side of the stalk touches an object, the growth on that side slows down whilst the other side grows at its normal rate - this causes the leaf stalk to entwine the object it is touching[4]. Plants flower on the current seasons growth. They usually require no pruning, especially if left to clamber into large shrubs and trees. Weak or dead stems can be removed in the winter and, where pruning may be required to reduce the size of the plant, shoots can be cut back by up to two thirds in the winter[7]. When planting out, in order to avoid the disease 'clematis wilt', it is best to plant the rootball about 8cm deeper in the soil. This will also serve to build up a good root crown of growth buds[3]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[3]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[8].

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  4. Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963-00-00 ISBN 63-7093

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  6. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10

  7. Grey-Wilson. C. Clematis - The Genus B. T. Batsford. London. 2000-00-00 ISBN 0-7134-7659-1

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  8. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  9. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

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