Clematis viticaulis
| Clematis viticaulis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Clematis |
| Species: | C. viticaulis |
| Binomial name | |
| Clematis viticaulis Steele | |
Clematis viticaulis is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family known by the common names Millboro leatherflower and grape clematis. It is endemic to Virginia in the United States, where it is known from Bath, Augusta, and Rockbridge Counties.[1]
This woody vine produces erect, hairy stems up to half a meter long. The thin, leathery oval leaves are up to 8 centimeters long by 4.5 wide and are oppositely arranged on the stems. The inflorescence is a single urn-shaped flower. There are no petals, just hairy purple or blue-[1] or green-tinged sepals which are lance-shaped and up to 2.5 centimeters long. The sepal tips are pointed or rounded and spread, curve, or curl backward. The fruit is an achene with a plumelike, copper-colored extension up to 4 centimeters long.[2]
This plant is limited to the shale barrens habitat and woodlands along the edges.[1][3] There are 18 to 20 occurrences, with a total global population of 1500 to 2500 individuals. Despite its rarity, the plant's population is generally stable, with only minor threats, such as herbivory and road maintenance. Recruitment from seed is uncommon but the plants live a long time once established.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Clematis viticaulis. The Nature Conservancy.
- ↑ Clematis viticaulis. Flora of North America.
- ↑ Clematis viticaulis. Center for Plant Conservation.