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Clematis buchananiana

Common name:		Family:	Ranunculaceae
Author:	DC.	Botanical references:	200, 273
Synonyms:
Known Hazards:	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[65].
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[273].
Edibility Rating (1-5):	1	Medicinal Rating (1-5):	2

Epithets:	From a Dictionary of Botanical Epithets
	clematis = climbing;
Systematics:	From a USDA Plants Database
	Order: Ranunculales. Buttercup family

Physical Characteristics

A decidious climber growing to 6m at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from July to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees and flies. We rate it 1/5 for edibility and 2/5 for medicinal use.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Edible Uses

Drink; Leaves.

Tender young leaves - coked as a vegetable[272]. 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[272].

Medicinal Uses

Disclaimer

Analgesic; Odontalgic; Poultice; Stomachic; Vulnerary.

A paste of the roots is used as a poultice to treat swellings caused by inflammation[272]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[272]. The juice is also inhaled to get rid of coughs and colds[272].
A paste of the stem or root bark is kept pressed against the teeth for about 15 minutes to relieve toothache[272].
The juice of the plant is applied externally to cuts and wounds[272]. It is also taken internally in the treatment of indigestion[272].
The leaf juice is taken internally, and is also applied externally to the forehead, in the treatment of coughs and colds[272]. It is also warmed and placed inside the nose when treating sinusitis[272].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade and its shoots growing up to the light[164]. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[11, 200]. Dislikes light sandy soils[11]. Succeeds in acid as well as alkaline soils[200].
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[273]. 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[273].
A vigorous plant, capable of putting out new shoots up to 4 metres long in a season[273].
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[212].
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[273].
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[200].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[164, 200]. 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[164]. A period of cold stratification is beneficial[164]. The seed germinates in 1 - 9 months or more at 20°c[164]. 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[200].
Layering of old stems in late winter or early spring[200].
Layering of current seasons growth in early summer[200].

Suppliers

For more details of plant suppliers please see our Suppliers Page which lists many more places to look.

Web References

References for the family Ranunculaceae.

[CHINA] Data Very detailed botanical/identification info. from the Flora of China.

See the PFAF Links Pages for other sources.

Also try Photos and info from the The Plants Database which has 14,000 images.

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[11] Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981
A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[54] Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Interesting reading.

[65] Frohne. D. and Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984 ISBN 0723408394
Brilliant. Goes into technical details but in a very readable way. The best work on the subject that I've come across so far.

[164] Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990
Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good article on Yuccas, one on Sagebrush (Artemesia spp) and another on Chaerophyllum bulbosum.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[212] Craighead. J., Craighead. F. and Davis. R. A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers The Riverside Press 1963 ISBN 63-7093
Excellent little pocket guide to the area, covering 590 species and often giving details of their uses.

[233] Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

Readers Comments

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Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future - Species Database. Copyright (c) 1997-2003.
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