This species is unique in the genus Clematis in having alternate rather than opposite leaves. It has sometimes been treated as the distinct genus Archiclematis[]

Common Name:

General Information

Clematis alternata is a scrambling, deciduous climber with slender branches, growing up to 4 metres tall
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

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[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from central Nepal to southern Xizang.

Habitat

Forest margins and shrubberies, often amongst Pinus, Picea and Larix species; at elevations from 2,200 - 2,500 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The juice of the plant is dripped into the eye in the treatment of conjunctivitis, though it does make the eye painful for about an hour[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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