Clematis pickeringii

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several distinct regions within the Malesian and Papuasian botanical zones. Within the Malesian realm, it can be found growing on the island of Jawa. Its range further extends through the Lesser Sunda Islands and across the archipelago to Maluku. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the island of Sulawesi. Finally, its geographical reach extends into Papuasia, specifically within the territory of New Guinea.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Clematis pickeringii is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse forest structures and successional stages. This species thrives across a broad spectrum of environments, ranging from the humid, shaded conditions of tropical rain forests to the more seasonal and water-stressed habitats of dry forests. It is also frequently observed colonizing maquis, a type of Caribbean scrubland characterized by low, hardy vegetation, as well as dense secondary shrublands. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates a high degree of resilience in ruderal vegetation, allowing it to establish itself in disturbed areas and transitional landscapes where rapid growth is essential for competing with other pioneer species.

Habitat :

rain forest, dry forest, maquis (scrubland), dense secondary shrub and ruderal vegetation

Life history

The life history of Clematis pickeringii is characterized by its status as a perennial, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a perennial climber, the plant establishes a permanent root system that allows it to endure dormancy periods, typically during colder months, before re-emerging to continue its vegetative growth in the spring. Over its lifespan, the plant focuses on expanding its climbing structure through specialized petioles that act as tendrils, enabling it to ascend toward light sources. Its reproductive cycle involves the development of seasonal blooms that facilitate genetic exchange, eventually leading to the production of seeds that ensure the continuation of the species across successive generations.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Clematis pickeringii is characterized by its growth habit as an obligatory climber, functioning as a woody vine or liana that utilizes surrounding structures for support. This independent species, which does not rely on a host as a parasite, typically maintains a terrestrial lifestyle, though its ecological niche can span aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical development, with a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 10 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

Reproduction in Clematis pickeringii is characterized by the production of specialized seeds that facilitate dispersal and the continuation of the species. The reproductive output is defined by highly consistent seed metrics, where the seed mass exhibits no variance across recorded observations. Specifically, the seed mass mean is 0.00144 g, a value that is simultaneously represented as both the maximum (0.00144 g) and the minimum (0.00144 g) seed mass. This uniformity in seed weight suggests a highly standardized developmental process during the maturation of the plant's reproductive structures, ensuring that each individual seed carries a precise and consistent nutrient load for potential germination.

Seed mass mean:

0.00144 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Clematis pickeringii 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 stem.

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology