Clematis gouriana, or Indian Traveller's Joy,[1] is a liana found in Asia which belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).[2] It was described by Roxb. ex DC. and published in Regni Vegetabilis Systema Naturale 1: 138-139, in 1818.[3]
A large climbing shrub, reaching up to the canopies of trees. Glabrous, except for the younger parts of the plant. Grooved stem and branches. Leaves are pinnate, sometimes bi-pinnate or tri-pinnate. Leaflets may be ovate or oblong acuminate, with nerves and reticulate venation, and have a shining surface. Small flowers in many branched pannicles. Each flower is 1 to 1.5 inches wide, fragrant and greenish-white. Petals are absent but four greenish sepals present which are oblong-ovate and covered with soft down. Many stamens, with free, narrow and straight filaments which thicken towards the top. Compressed achenes, narrowly ovoid or oblong, with persistent feathery style.[1][2][6][7][8]
C. gouriana is a vigorous climber spreading on thickets and climbing on trees. Principally in tropical and subtropical forests.[5] It occurs up to Шаблон:Convert in the Himalayas; in the hilly districts of the peninsula it occurs between Шаблон:Convert and Шаблон:Convert.[9] Flowering takes place from August to February, while fruits appear from September to May.[5]
Medicinal uses
C. gouriana is recognised as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine and amongst tribal communities. It has been investigated for its medicinal properties.[10]
The bruised leaves and stem act as a vesicant and are poisonous.[11] In Ayurveda, the leaves of the plant have been used for treating puerperal fever and bruises.[12] Leaf paste is applied to wounds of cattle by Jatapu, Khond and Savara tribals of Andhra Pradesh, India.[5]