Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Clematis L., Sp. Pl. 543 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Akakaikū; Akakaikūkū; Aka-kōpū-kererū; Akakūkū; Clematis; Hokokūkū; Pōānanga; Pōhue; Pōtaetae; Puatataua; Puatororaro; Upokonui-a-ura
 Description

Perennial woody climbers or rarely terrestrial herbs. Lvs cauline, opposite, simple to ternate to 1–2-pinnate; leaflets entire or lobed. Fls ☿ or unisexual, solitary or in axillary fascicles or simple to compound dichasial cymes; involucre 0 but bracts sometimes connate in pairs. Perianth of 1 petaloid whorl of sepals; sepals 4–6–(8), white, yellow, pink, blue or violet, without nectaries or spurs. Stamens many, spiralled; staminodes present or 0, sometimes petaloid or nectariferous. Carpels with 1 functional ovule. Achenes many, lanceolate to ovate; style elongated and feathery. Receptacle glabrous or hairy.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Non-endemic)
Number of species in New Zealand within Clematis L.
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)9
Exotic: Fully Naturalised4
Exotic: Casual3
Total16
 Bibliography
Heenan, P.B.; Cartman, J. 2000: Reinstatement of Clematis petriei (Ranunculaceae), and typification and variation of C. forsteri. New Zealand Journal of Botany 38(4): 575–585.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.