Dilip Walse Patil

Scientific Name : Clematis gouriana Roxb. ex DC.

Category : Angiosperms

Status : Alive

Indian Clematis is a large climber, capable of climbing up tall trees. Stems are brown and grooved. Oppositely arranged leaves are variable, they can be pinnate, 2-pinnate or 3-pinnate. Leaflets are oblong, lancelike, sharp tipped, toothed, and rounded at the base. Flowers, 1-1.5 cm across, are fragrant, greenish-white, appearing in branched panicles 15-25 cm long. The flowers have four sepals, which look like petals - real petals are absent. Mass of stamens spread out from the middle of the flower. Indian clematis is found in the Himalayas, Western Ghats, China and SE Asia, at altitudes of 100-1800 m. Flowering: November-February. Significance: It is medicinal herb. The bruised leaves and stem act as a vesicant and are poisonous. In Ayurveda, the leaves of the plant have been used for treating puerperal fever and bruises.