Biology:Clematis addisonii

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Short description: Rare species of flowering plant endemic to Virginia

Clematis addisonii
A bush with pale green leaves and pink flowers
Clematis addisonii in bloom

Critically Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Clematis
Species:
C. addisonii
Binomial name
Clematis addisonii
Britton
Synonyms[1]
  • Viorna addisonii (Britton) Small
  • Coriflora addisonii (Britton) W.A.Weber

Clematis addisonii, commonly known as Addison's leatherflower or Addison's virgin's-bower, is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is endemic to western Virginia in the United States, where it occurs in calcareous woodlands and barrens.[2]

Description

Clematis addisonii is an herbaceous perennial with ascending to erect stems typically 0.6–1 m in length, occasionally somewhat viney.[2]

Leaves are mostly simple, though distal leaves on vigorous plants may be 1-pinnate. Leaflets (when present) are ovate, unlobed, and not prominently reticulate. The lower leaf surface is characteristically glaucous and glabrous.[2]

Flowers are solitary, borne terminally or axillary, and are ovoid to broadly urn-shaped. Sepals are purple to reddish-purple, often paling toward the tips, and measure 1.2–2.5 cm long.[2]

Fruits are achenes with plumose styles 2.5–3.5 cm long.[2]

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Nathaniel Lord Britton in 1890.[1]

It has historically been placed in the genus Viorna as Viorna addisonii (Britton) Small, reflecting its placement within Clematis subgenus Viorna.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Clematis addisonii is restricted to Botetourt, Montgomery, Roanoke, and Rockbridge counties in western Virginia.[2]

It occurs in dry to mesic calcareous woodlands, barrens, and rock outcrops, typically over dolostone of the Elbrook Formation.[3]

The species is typically found at elevations of approximately 200–600 m.[2]

Ecology

The species flowers in spring to early summer.[2]

It is associated with open or lightly shaded habitats and may decline with canopy closure.[4]

Conservation

Clematis addisonii is ranked as G1–G2 (critically imperiled to imperiled) by NatureServe, with a rounded status of G1.[4]

The species is known from a small number of populations, with approximately 6–20 occurrences and about 11 documented in recent decades.[4]

Major threats include habitat loss, development, invasive species, deer browsing, and habitat fragmentation.[4]

The species is endemic to a narrow range and has experienced population declines over time.[4]

It has been reviewed multiple times for potential listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act but is not currently federally listed.[5]

Conservation efforts

The species is included in the National Collection of the Center for Plant Conservation, with living collections maintained by partner institutions.[6]

Conservation efforts focus on habitat management, ex situ cultivation, and maintaining genetic diversity.[6]

Horticulture

Although rare in the wild, Clematis addisonii can be cultivated in well-drained, calcareous soils and partial shade. It is valued for its nodding, urn-shaped flowers and compact, non-climbing habit.[7]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q15366709 entry