Clematis L.
Genus composed 370 species, distributed through Europe, Africa and Australasia. In North Africa it is represented by 5 species, mainly distributed in subhumid and warm temperate habitats of the Mediterranean region. Of these species, 4 can be considered as more or less woody lianas, with stems that can reach several m in length, but the fifth species, C. tunisiatica W.T. Wang, is small (up to 20 cm) and with entire leaves. Recently described, it is endemic to the Ain Draham forests (NW of Tunisia).
Wang, W.T. 2003. A revision of Clematis Sect. Clematis (Ranunculaceae). Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 41(1): 1-62; Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 41 (2): 97-172.
Wang, W.T. 2004. A revisión of Clematis Sect. Brachiatae (Ranunculaceae). Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 42(4): 289-332.
Key to species
1 Bracteoles fused forming an involucre under the flower. Flowers large (2-3 cm diameter) Clematis cirrhosa
1 Bracteoles free. Flower smaller (1-2 cm diameter) 2
2 Leaves usually 2-3-pinnatisect; receptacle and perianth parts glabrous on the inner face Clematis flammula
2 Leaves 1-pinnatisect, receptacle and perianth parts pubescent 3
3 Perianth up to 13(15) mm, styles of the achenes up to 5.5 cm Clematis vitalba
3 Perianth over 15 mm (even up to 19 or 24), styles of the achenes maximum 3.5(4) cm Clematis brachiata
Updated by: G. Benítez, J. Molero Mesa & J, Charco.