Clematis

Clematis is a genus of climbing vines with showy flowers. They are popular among gardeners, and over 200 species are known with more cultivars being produced constantly. Most species are known as clematis in English, while some are also known as traveller's joy, old man's beard, leather flower, vase vine and virgin's bower, the last three being names used for North American species.

Clematis was called pepper vine by early travelers and pioneers of the American Old West and used as a pepper substitute to spice up food since true black pepper (Piper nigrum) was a costly and rarely obtainable spice.

The entire genus contains essential oils and compounds which are extremely irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Unlike black pepper or Capsicum, however, the compounds in clematis cause internal bleeding of the digestive tract if ingested in large amounts. The plants are essentially toxic. When pruning them, it's a good idea to wear gloves.

Despite its toxicity, Native Americans used very small amounts of clematis as an effective treatment for migraine headaches and nervous disorders. It was also used as an effective treatment of skin infections.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis


See Also: Perth florist, Malaysia florist, Thai Flowers, Fathers day