Common Name:

General Information

Clematis trichotoma is a deciduous climbing plant growing up to 5 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
Populations of Clematis trichotoma show no evidence of decline, and although there are threats in place in various parts of its range, it is unclear whether these would have a sufficient impact to justify a threatened category for this species at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

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 - southern Korea.

Habitat

Upper rocky slopes of open woodland and shrubberies, generally of deciduous and evergreen genera such as Rhododendron, Acer, Betula, Quercus and Deutzia species[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a deep moist soil with its roots in the shade[, ]. 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 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

Young leaves - cooked[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

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 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[].