Common Name:

General Information

Clematis buchananiana is a perennial, deciduous climbing plant with more or less woody stems. It can grow up to 6 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials

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

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from northeast Pakistan through Kashmir, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam

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[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis buchananiana is a very variable species, it varies considerably in cold-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[]. 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[].
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 vigorous plant, capable of putting out new shoots up to 4 metres long in a season[].
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[].
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[].
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

Tender young leaves - cooked as a vegetable[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity[].
The plant is used in Nepal to make marcha, a fermented cake from which an alcoholic beverage is distilled[].

Medicinal

The juice of the root is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[]. The juice is also inhaled to get rid of coughs and colds[].
A paste of the roots is used as a poultice to treat swellings caused by inflammation[].

A paste of the stem or root bark is kept pressed against the teeth for about 15 minutes to relieve toothache[].

The plant is used as a remedy in the treatment of leprosy, blood diseases, and fever[].
The juice of the plant is taken internally in the treatment of indigestion[].
The juice is applied topically to cuts and wounds[].

The leaf juice is taken internally, and is also applied externally to the forehead, in the treatment of coughs and colds[]. It is also warmed and placed inside the nose when treating sinusitis[].

Other Uses

The stems, or the fibres obtained from them, are used as a tying material[].

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[].