Common Name: Small-leaved Clematis

General Information

Clematis microphylla is an evergreen climbing plant with slender stems able to grow 5 - 10 metres tall. The plant grows into the surrounding vegetation, attaching itself by means of twining leafstems[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as an effective ground cover.

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

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, southern Queensland

Habitat

Sandy loams on river banks and in moist gullies by the coast and on tablelands[, ]. Dry scrub, heathy places and coastal dune scrub[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Clematis microphylla is a plant of the temperate to warm temperate regions of eastern Australia. Although tolerant of short periods where temperatures can fall as low as -7°c, the plant needs a generally mild winter and hot summer if it is to thrive[, ].
Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[, ], but can tolerate drier soils[].. Dislikes poorly-drained heavy clay soils, but grows well in clay if grit is added for drainage[, ]. Dislikes light sandy soils[]. Does well on chalk[]. 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 seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[]. It must be cooked[]. Traditionally, the roots were cooked in baskets and then kneaded on a small sheet of bark into dough[]. Raw roots have a very peppery taste[]. Caution is advised, the root is likely to be at least mildly poisonous[].

Medicinal

The leaves and stem are rubefacient. They are used in the treatment of skin irritations[]. Use with caution and do not apply for more than 3 minutes[].

The leaves are crushed and the pungent aroma inhaled in order to relieve headaches[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a vigorous ground cover in open spaces or under taller plants, spreading well and excluding weeds[, ].

Other Uses

Fibres from the roots have been woven into headbands[].

The base of the stem has been used as a haft for axes[].

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 their 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[].