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Clematis aristata

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Clematis aristata

Family Name: Ranunculaceae
Common Name: Traveller's Joy Goatsbeard, Old Man's Beard

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Irregular
Maximum Height 2 m to 6 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution Australia
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Coastal Forest)
Preferred Climate Zone Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Clematis aristata is a strong evergreen climber which has clusters of white flowers and can grow from 2-6 m. 
Foliage Leaves are 10-45 mm wide, ovate, simple, toothed margins, 3 parallel veins and are arranged opposite each other. The stalk of the leaves supports the plant by curling around the available support. Adult leaves are usually trifoliate with each leaflet ovate and has toothed margin. Seedlings leaves are purplish.
Stems Stems are dark brown. 
Flowers Flowers are white, 35-50 mm wide, male and female flowers are on separate plant. Flowers are borne on short branches on leaf axils. Each flower has 4 petal-like sepals arranged in star pattern. 
Fruit Seedheads are fluffy. 
Cultivation Flowers require little care and flower for a long period of time. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Requires well-drained, rich-loamy soil. Propagation can be done by semi-wood cuttings or from seeds, but germination is slow. Plants can withstand heavy pruning. Train plant over support such as fence, trellis or pergola.
Etymology The genus Clematis is from Greek name, which refers to climbing plants.  The specific epithet aristata means with beard or awned, which refers to the fruits.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) (Day)
Landscape Uses Skyrise / Balcony, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Suitable for Hanging Baskets, Container Planting, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola
Thematic Landscaping Naturalistic Garden

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Butterfly-Attracting

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Potential Problems No serious insect or disease problems. 
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting
Maintenance Requirements Remarks Pruning is necessary to clear crowded growth to make way for new, more vigorous growth

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Thick
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Purple
Foliar Type Compound (Trifoliate), Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Serrate / Toothed
Typical Foliar Area Mesophyll ( 45cm2 - 182.25 cm2 )

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Unisexual Flowers , Dioecious
Flower Colour(s) White
Flower Texture(s) Smooth
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial
Individual Flower Shape Stellate / Star-shaped
Flowering Period Free-Flowering
Flowering Habit Polycarpic

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 73
Species ID 1369
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 31 December 2021.
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