Nepal clematis

Description

Clematis napaulensis (syn. Clematis forrestii W.W.Sm.), the Nepal clematis,s a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to China and the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal,whence the specific epithet napaulensis. The nodding flowers are up to 3 cm (1.2 in) across and scented. The short outer petals are cream-coloured, and they surround several long stamens with deep red anthers. They are followed by handsome large fruit clusters and fluffy seed-heads. The plant will not survive harsh winter climates, but grows well in warm or coastal areas where the temperature does not fall below −5 °C (23 °F). It prefers a sheltered position with the flowers in full sun. Like all clematis, the root-run does best in moist, shaded conditions. Clematis is a genus of about 300 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis × jackmanii, a garden standby since 1862; more hybrid cultivars are being produced constantly. They are mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, a name invented for the sole British native, C. vitalba, by the herbalist John Gerard; virgin's bower for C. terniflora, C. virginiana, and C. viticella; old man's beard, applied to several with prominent seedheads; leather flower for those with fleshy petals; or vase vine for the North American Clematis viorna. The genus name Clematis is from Ancient Greek κληματίς : clēmatís, ("a climbing plant") from κλήμα : klḗma – 'twig, sprout, tendril'. Over 250 species and cultivars are known, often named for their originators or particular characteristics.