Small-leaved Clematis - native (Clematis microphylla var microphylla)

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family).

Native.

Occurrence: Scattered.

Identify by:

• it is a climber
• it has apparently four narrow "petals"
• the leaves are several times divided into narrow untoothed leaflets.

Clematis does not have true petals; its sepals are white and petal-like. Male and female flowers are separate. The seeds develop feathery awns, and the name "old man's beard" is sometimes applied to clematis.

Mountain Clematis (C. aristata) grows in the wetter areas e.g. in the Wombat Forest. Its leaflets are wider (over 12mm) and have toothed margins.

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