Clematis

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search

<templatestyles src="Module:Hatnote/styles.css"></templatestyles>

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

Clematis
File:Clematis 'Nelly Moser'.JPG
Clematis 'Nelly Moser'
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Subfamily:
Tribe:
Genus:
Clematis

Species

See text.

Synonyms

Atragene L.
Coriflora Weber
Viorna Rchb.[1]

Lua error in Module:Taxonbar/candidate at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Clematis[pronunciation note 1] is a genus of about 300 species[6] within the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids have been popular among gardeners,[7] beginning with Clematis × jackmanii, a garden standby since 1862; more hybrid cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, a name invented for the sole British native, C. vitalba, by the herbalist John Gerard; virgin's bower for C. viticella; old man's beard, applied to several with prominent seedheads; leather flower for those with fleshy petals; or vase vine for the North American Clematis viorna.

Etymology

The genus name is from Ancient Greek clématis, ("a climbing plant"). Over 250 species and cultivars are known, often named for their originators or particular characteristics.

Botany

The genus is composed of mostly vigorous, woody, climbing vines / lianas. The woody stems are quite fragile until several years old.[7] Leaves are opposite and divided into leaflets and leafstalks that twist and curl around supporting structures to anchor the plant as it climbs.[7] Some species are shrubby, while others, like C. recta, are herbaceous perennial plants. The cool temperate species are deciduous, but many of the warmer climate species are evergreen. They grow best in cool, moist, well-drained soil in full sun.[8]

Clematis species are mainly found throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rarely in the tropics. Clematis leaves are food for the caterpillars of some Lepidoptera species, including the willow beauty (Peribatodes rhomboidaria).

The timing and location of flowers varies; spring-blooming clematis flower on side shoots of the previous year's stems, summer/fall blooming clematis bloom only on the ends of new stems, and twice-flowering clematis do both.[7]

Species

File:Large purple clematis flower with white finger stamens.jpg
Large, dark purple clematis flower with white finger stamens in sunlight
File:PurpleClematis1.jpeg
Purple clematis
Flowers of C. vitalba
File:Old man's beard Clematis vitalba seeds.jpg
Seed heads of C. vitalba growing in a hedge, showing why it is known colloquially as "old man's beard"
File:Clematis macro 1.JPG
Clematis 'Multi Blue'
File:Clematis dioica in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.JPG
Fruits of C. dioica in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A partial list of species:

Formerly placed here

Subdivisions

One recent classification recognised 297 species of clematis, so it is not surprising that taxonomists and gardeners subdivide the genus. Several classification systems exist.

Magnus Johnson divided Clematis into 19 sections, several with subsections.[18] Christopher Grey-Wilson divided the genus into 9 subgenera (Clematis, Cheiropsis, Flammula, Archiclematis, Campanella, Atragene, Tubulosae, Pseudanemone, Viorna), several with sections and subsections within them.[19] Several of the subdivisions are fairly consistent between these two systems; for example, all of Grey-Wilson's subgenera are used as sections by Johnson. Alternatively, John Howell defined twelve groups: the Evergreen, Alpina, Macropetala, Montana, Rockery, Early Large-Flowered, Late Large-Flowered, Herbaceous, Viticella, Texensis, Orientalis, and Late Mixed groups.[20]

Many of the most popular garden forms are cultivars belonging to the Viticella section of the subgenus Flammula as defined by Grey-Wilson. These larger-flowered cultivars are often used within garden designs to climb archways, pergolas, or wall-mounted trellises, or to grow through companion plants. These forms normally have large 12–15 cm diameter upward-facing flowers and are believed to involve crosses of C. patens, C. lanuginosa, and C. viticella.[21] Early-season, large-flowering forms such as 'Nelly Moser' tend towards the natural flowering habit of C. patens or C. lanuginosa while later-flowering forms such as ×jackmanii are nearer in habit to C. viticella.

Garden history

The wild Clematis species native to China made their way into Japanese gardens by the 17th century. Japanese garden selections were the first exotic clematises to reach European gardens, in the 18th century, long before the Chinese species were identified in their native habitat at the end of the 19th century.[22]

Cultivation

The climbing varieties are valued for their ability to scramble up walls, fences, and other structures, and also to grow through other plants, such as shrubs and trees. Some can be trained along the ground to provide cover. Because of their adaptability and masses of spectacular flowers, clematis are among the most popular of all garden plants. Many choice and rare cultivars are to be had from mail order and online catalogues. Specialists regularly put on displays in national flower shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show. In theory, it is possible to have a clematis in flower at any time throughout the year. Many varieties provide a second period of interest with a flush of flowers, or decorative seed heads.

They will grow in any good garden soil. The roots usually require a moist, cool substrate, while the herbage can take full sun. Some more delicate cultivars such as 'Nelly Moser' do better in light shade. Many clematis can be grown successfully in containers.[23][24]

Pruning

The pruning regime for a cultivated clematis falls into three categories:

  • Vigorous species and early-flowering hybrids do not require pruning, other than to occasionally remove tangled growth (as in C. armandii, C. montana, and C. tangutica)
  • Large-flowered hybrids blooming in early summer on the previous season’s growth can be pruned lightly in the dormant season for structure
  • Late-flowering hybrids which bloom on the current season’s growth can be pruned back to a pair of buds in the dormant season[25][26]

Cultivars

Over 80 varieties and cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[27]

In the Atragene group are woody deciduous climbers with bell-shaped flowers in spring, produced on the last year’s growth. These include 'Markham’s Pink', a pale pink breed.[28]

In the early large-flowered group, which flower on the last year’s growth, are:

  • 'Arctic Queen' or 'Polar bear' (double white)[29]
  • 'Marie Boisselot' (white)[30]
  • 'Miss Bateman' (white with red stamens)[31]
  • 'Nelly Moser' (white with pink stripes)[32]
  • 'Niobe' (maroon)[33]
  • 'The President' (blue)[34]

In the Clematis integrifolia group (or Integrifolia group) are non- or semiclimbing plants that flower on the current year's growth. These include the violet-pink 'Arabella'.[35]

In the late large-flowered group, which flower on the current year's growth, are:

In the Clematis montana group (or Montana group) are vigorous climbers that flower in spring, such as:

  • 'Mayleen (pale pink)[39]
  • Clematis montana var. grandiflora (white)[40]
  • Clematis montana var. rubens 'Tetrarose' (rose pink with green stamens)[41]

In the Clematis viticella group (or Viticella group) are compact deciduous climbers with small flowers produced on the current year’s growth, such as:

  • 'Alba Luxurians' (white)[42]
  • 'Betty Corning' (pale lilac pink)[43]
  • 'Madame Julia Correvon' (crimson)[44]
  • 'Purpurea Plena Elegans' (purple double)[45]

Other breeds include:

  • 'Princess Diana' of the Clematis texensis or Texensis group (deep pink)[46]
  • ×triternata rubromarginata (white & purple)[47]

Horticultural classification[48][49]

This follows the classification adopted by V. Matthews in The International Clematis Register and Checklist 2002, except that C. ispahanica, now considered to have been included in error, has been omitted from the list of parent species in Tangutica Group.

  • Small-flowered Division: Flowers (1.5–)2–12(–18) cm across
    • Armandii Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subsection Meyenianae (Tamura) M. Johnson, mainly C. armandii.
    • Atragene Group:Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Atragene (L.) Torrey & A. Gray, such as C. alpina, C. chiisanensis, C. fauriei, C. koreana, C. macropetala, C. ochotensis, C. sibirica, C. turkestanica. The former Alpina Group and Macropetala Group are included here. Historically, the Alpina Group was used for single-flowered cultivars, and double-flowered cultivars were assigned to the Macropetala Group.
    • Cirrhosa Group:Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from, C. cirrhosa.
    • Flammula Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Flammula DC. (excluding subsection Meyenianae (Tamura)M. Johnson), such as C. angustifolia, C. flammula, C. recta, C. terniflora.
    • Forsteri Group: Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Novae-zeelandiae M. Johnson (native to Australia and New Zealand) such as C. australis, C. foetida, C. forsteri, C. marata, C. marmoraria, C. paniculata, C. petriei.
    • Heracleifolia Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in subgenus Tubulosa (Decne.) Grey-Wilson, such as C. heracleifolia, C. stans, C. tubulosa.
    • Integrifolia Group:Cultivars belonging to, or derived mainly from,C. integrifolia. Includes the Diversifolia Group (which coveredC. × diversifolia (C. integrifolia × C. viticella) and its cultivars).
    • Montana Group:Cultivars belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Montanae (Schneider) Grey-Wilson such as C. chrysocoma, C. montana,C. spooneri.
    • Tangutica Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Meclatis (Spach) Baill., such as C. intricata, C. ladakhiana, C. orientalis, C. serratifolia, C. tangutica, C. tibetana. This Group has also been known as the Orientalis Group.
    • Texensis Group:Cultivars derived from C. texensis crossed with representatives from either of the Large-flowered Groups.
    • Viorna Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Viorna A. Gray, such as C. crispa, C. fusca, C. ianthina, C. pitcheri, C. reticulata, C. texensis, C. viorna. Cultivars assigned to Texensis Group, and cultivars with C. integrifolia in their parentage, are excluded.
    • Vitalba Group:Cultivars with at least one parent belonging to, or derived from, species classified in section Clematis L., such as C. ligusticifolia, C. potaninii, C. vitalba, C. virginiana.
    • Viticella Group: Cultivars with at least one parent mainly derived from C. viticella. Excludes hybrids between C. integrifolia and C. viticella: see Integrifolia Group.
  • Large-flowered Division:Flowers (5–)10–22(–29) cm across, usually flat.
    • Early Large-flowered Group:Comprises the former Patens Group and Fortunei Group. Cultivars of the Patens Group were derived mainly from C. patens, either directly or indirectly. They were characterized by producing flowers in spring on the previous year’s wood, and often again in summer or early autumn on the current year’s growth. The former Fortunei Group (also known as Florida Group, although it had nothing to do with C. florida) comprised cultivars with double or semi-double flowers that were produced on the previous year’s growth in spring. Hybridization has made it impossible to keep the original Groups separate: there are a number of cultivars that produce both single and double flowers, or that only produce semi-double or double flowers under certain conditions.
    • Late Large-flowered Group: Comprises the former Lanuginosa Group and Jackmanii Group. Cultivars of the Lanuginosa Group were derived mainly from C. lanuginosa, either directly or indirectly. The Jackmanii Group covered cultivars produced from a cross between C. viticella (or a derivative therefrom) and a member of the Patens Group. Both Groups produce their flowers on the current year’s growth in summer and autumn. It is often impossible to say whether a cultivar belongs to the Lanuginosa Group or to the Jackmanii Group, due to hybridization and/or lack of information on the parentage, so it is not possible to maintain these Groups.

Use and toxicity

The European species did not enter into the herbalists' pharmacopeia.[50] In the American Old West, the Western white clematis, Clematis ligusticifolia, was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers, who took a tip from Spanish colonials and used seeds and the acrid leaves of yerba de chivato as a pepper substitute.[51] The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. C. ligusticifolia is essentially toxic. When pruning them, it is a good idea to wear gloves. Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.[52] Clematis is also a constituent of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Leaf extracts from two Ethiopian species (Clematis longicauda steud ex A. Rich. and Clematis burgensis Engl.) are used locally to treat ear disorders and eczema. Phytochemical screening of the extracts from both of these species showed antibacterial and antifungal activity.[53] The extracts of these plants also possess wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities which could also be attributed to the phytoconstituents.[54]

Clematis has been listed as one of the 38 plants used to prepare Bach flower remedies,[55] a kind of alternative medicine promoted for its effect on health. However according to Cancer Research UK, "there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer".[56]

Pests and diseases

Clematis species are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Clematis wilt, a stem rot caused by the fungus Phoma clematidina, causes dramatic wilting and death of whole branches, although many species are resistant to it.[57] Other pests and diseases include powdery mildew, viruses, slugs and snails, scale insects, aphids, earwigs, and green flower disease, which is usually caused by infection with a phytoplasma, a type of bacterium.[58]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "How Do You Say & Spell Clematis?" ClematisQueen.com. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Clematis". Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  4. "Clematis". Cambridge Dictionaries Online. 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. There are more wild species of clematis even than of roses", Alice M. Coats remarks in Garden Shrubs and Their Histories (1964) 1992, s.v. "Clematis".
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. Hillier Nurseries, The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs, David and Charles, 1998, p723 ISBN 0-7153-0808-4
  9. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. Clematis ternifolia, Annie's Annuals.
  17. Naravelia zeylanica. GRIN.
  18. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. Howell's 12 Groups
  21. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. Coats (1964) 1992.
  23. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. http://www.britishclematis.org.uk/pruning.htm
  27. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=97
  28. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=473
  29. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=439
  30. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=476
  31. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=478
  32. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=485
  33. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=486
  34. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=498
  35. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=452
  36. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=469
  37. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=489
  38. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=490
  39. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=4686
  40. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=479
  41. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=482
  42. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=444
  43. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=455
  44. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=475
  45. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=503
  46. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=491
  47. http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=508
  48. RHS ISHS ICRA clematis
  49. Clematis Register RHS
  50. Of the native European C. vitalba Alice Coats observes "The leaves are acrid and poisonous, and not even the early herbalists attempted to use the plant in internal medicine", but she notes that John Gerard called Clematis flammula biting clematis or purging periwinkle. (Coats 1992).
  51. US Native Plant Database Clematis ligusticifolia
  52. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  53. Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2012. In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 74:29-35.
  54. Hawaze S, Deti H, Suleman S. 2013. Wound healing activity of the methanol extracts of Clematis species indigenous to Ethiopia. International Journal of Green Pharmacy 7:304-308.
  55. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  56. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  57. Howells, J., Choosing your Clematis, Garden Art Press, 2003, pp115-116 ISBN 1-870673-47-6
  58. Buczacki, S. and Harris, K., Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants, HarperCollins, 1998, p65 ISBN 0-00-220063-5

Notes

  1. The standard pronunciation of clematis is considered to be /ˈklɛmətɪs/ (KLEM-ə-tiss).[2][3][4][5] Other pronunciations include /kləˈmætɪs/ (kləm-AT-iss)[2] and, particularly in the UK, /kləˈmtɪs/ (klə-MAY-tiss).[2][3]

Further reading

External links