Little-Leaved Clematis – Clematis microphylla

Little-leafed clematis fruiting body, or achene

Family Ranunculaceae – (Buttercup & Crowfoot). A woody, climbing shrub, this hardy plant is native to all Australian States. Will climb a trellis or scramble rough terrain. Height: to 10 feet. Flower size: 1-1/2 inches across / Flower color: pale white / Flowering time: June to October

Family Ranunculaceae (1700 species in ~60 genera) goes back in the fossil record to the early Cretaceous, ~145 mya, and contains the major genera Ranunculus, Delphinium, Thalictrum, Clematis, and Aconitum [1]. Plants in genus Clematis comprise about 300 species of woody, climbing vines or lianas.

This lovely ornamental can become a pest and overrun other more desirable vegetation. A plant does not become entrenched in all the Australian States by being a shrinking violet, so to speak.

References:

1. Wikipedia, Ranunculaceae
2. Wikipedia, Clematis
3. Morton Arboretum accession photos by Bruce Marlin

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