Chagalbati

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Chagalbati
• Indian Clematis

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Clematis vitalba subsp. gouriana
• Clematis vitalba var. gouriana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Clematis gouriana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Clematis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. In China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central to the North-Central areas, as well as within the Southeast provinces. Its presence extends further west into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the state of Assam. Additionally, the species is documented to grow throughout Bangladesh. Together, these locations highlight the diverse environmental range occupied by Clematis gouriana.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clematis gouriana is characterized by its adaptability across a significant vertical gradient within its natural habitat. This species occupies a broad altitudinal spectrum, thriving in diverse topographical settings ranging from low-lying areas at an elevation of 100 m AMSL to higher montane environments reaching a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This extensive elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of tolerating varying thermal regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture availability associated with different mountain strata. Such ecological plasticity allows it to inhabit a variety of niches, from warmer, humid lowland zones to the cooler, more temperate conditions found at higher altitudes.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

100 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clematis gouriana is characterized by its status as a perennial, meaning it maintains its presence in the ecosystem over multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a long-lived species, it establishes a robust root system that allows it to survive period of dormancy and regrow during favorable environmental conditions. This perennial nature enables the plant to invest energy into structural development and climbing mechanisms, facilitating its growth pattern over time. Throughout its extended lifecycle, it undergoes seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, contributing to its long-term stability within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clematis gouriana is characterized by its distinct growth habit and ecological adaptations. It functions as an obligatory climber, specifically manifesting as a vine that relies on external structures for support rather than being self-supporting. In terms of its structural composition, the plant is non-woody, exhibiting a growth form categorized as other, which distinguishes it from traditional shrubs or trees. Regarding its habitat and life strategy, the species is primarily terrestrial, though its ecological niche can encompass aquatic or semiaquatic environments. Furthermore, it is an independent organism, functioning without parasitic dependencies, and maintains a terrestrial existence rather than acting as an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

other

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Clematis gouriana is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its metabolic processes and carbon fixation efficiency. The plant's vegetative structure is defined by its leaf morphology, where the leaves exhibit a consistent range of dimensions that support its photosynthetic capacity. The leaf length typically averages 9 cm, with individual leaves ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 11 cm. Complementing this, the leaf width shows a mean value of 4 cm, fluctuating between a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 5 cm. These morphological parameters contribute to the overall surface area available for light interception and gas exchange, essential for its biological functions.

Leaf length max:

11 cm

Leaf length mean:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

5 cm

Leaf width mean:

4 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Clematis gouriana is primarily characterized by its seasonal flowering cycle, which is essential for its pollination and subsequent seed production. The flowering process follows a specific temporal window, with the flowering start occurring in July. This blooming period continues through the mid-summer months until the flowering end is reached in August. This relatively concentrated reproductive phase ensures that the plant utilizes the peak summer conditions to facilitate its biological cycle.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Clematis gouriana has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Clematis gouriana has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, Flavonoids, Gallic acid.

Ash

1. Natural product research

Flavonoids

1. Natural product research

Gallic acid

1. Natural product research