Clematis

Clematis, a genus of shrubs belonging to the order Ranunculaceae, comprising about 100 species. They usually climb by twisting the stalks of their opposite leaves round a support. They are also exceptional in the order in the leaves being usually pinnately compound, in having a petaloid calyx of four valvate sepals, but no petals, and in the long feathery tails or awns of each of the achenes in their fruits. From this last character the only British species. C. Vitalba. the traveller's-joy, gets the name old man's beard. Several species are grown in gardens besides various hybrids, of which the large purple C. Jackmanni is the type.