Clematis grata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Clematis vitalba subsp. grata
• Clematis vitalba var. grata
• Clematis grata var. ryukiuensis
• Clematis taiwaniana
• Clematis taiwaniana var. ryukiuensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Ranunculaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Clematis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution stretching across several distinct regions of Asia. In Western Asia, it can be found within the borders of Afghanistan. Its presence extends into China, specifically localized in the Tibet region. The species is also distributed throughout Eastern Asia, inhabiting both Taiwan and the Nansei-shoto islands. Finally, it populates the East Himalaya area within the Indian Subcontinent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clematis grata is defined by its adaptation to diverse montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species thrives across a broad altitudinal gradient, establishing itself in ecosystems that range from lower montane zones up to high-altitude reaches. Specifically, its distribution spans an elevational range starting from a minimum of 800 m AMSL and extending to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. This wide elevational span suggests an ability to tolerate varying temperature regimes and atmospheric pressures, allowing the plant to persist in both relatively temperate mid-elevation slopes and more rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Clematis recta is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it follows a recurring biological cycle where it establishes a robust root system that supports continuous regrowth after periods of dormancy. Its developmental stages involve an initial vegetative growth phase where it climbs using its petioles, followed by a reproductive phase marked by the production of distinctive yellowish-green flowers. Once pollination occurs, the plant transitions into a seed-dispersal stage, often producing achenes with persistent, feathery styles that facilitate wind dispersal. This perennial nature ensures long-term survival in its natural habitat, enabling the plant to occupy space and compete effectively over successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clematis recta is characterized by its growth habit as a woody liana, functioning as a climbing vine that requires external support to ascend. It is classified as an obligatory climber, meaning it relies on physical structures to facilitate its upward movement rather than being self-supporting. Despite its climbing nature, the plant is an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior toward its host plants. The structural integrity of the plant is defined by its woody stems, which provide the necessary durability for its life cycle as a perennial climber.

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Clematis gratia is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that facilitates its pollination process. The flowering period begins in July and continues through August, marking the peak time for its reproductive cycle. This temporal concentration ensures that the plant's reproductive efforts are aligned with specific environmental conditions and pollinator availability during the mid-to-late summer months.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Clematis grata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic.

Antidiabetic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine