Clematis

views updated Jun 27 2018

Clematis (family Ranunculaceae) An anomalous genus in the family, comprising plants which have a woody, liane habit and opposite, compound leaves whose stalks or tendrils twine to support the climbing plants. The flowers usually have 4 petaloid perianth segments, and long, plumed styles that aid in the wind dispersal of achenes. There are about 230 species, most in the northern temperate zone and a few in the African mountains; many are cultivated for their flowers or foliage.

clematis

views updated Jun 08 2018

clem·a·tis / ˈklemətəs; kləˈmatəs/ • n. a climbing plant (genus Clematis) of the buttercup family that bears white, pink, or purple flowers and feathery seeds.

clematis

views updated May 23 2018

clematis Genus of perennial, mostly climbing shrubs found worldwide. Many have attractive deep blue, violet, white, pink or red flowers or flower clusters. The leaves are usually compound. Family Ranunculaceae.

clematis

views updated May 14 2018

clematis XVI. — L. clēmatis — Gr. klēmatís, f. klêma vine-branch.

More From encyclopedia.com