Clematis meyeniana Walpers (1843: 297)

Huang, Qiao-Lan, Fei, Wen-Qun, Wu, Hai-Song, Zeng, You-Pai, Yuan, Qiong & Yang, Qin-Er, 2024, Clematis sinii and C. xinhuiensis (Ranunculaceae), respectively described from Guangxi and Guangdong of China, are merged with C. meyeniana, a species widely distributed in eastern and southeastern Asia, Phytotaxa 652 (3), pp. 171-207 : 196-205

Clematis meyeniana Walpers (1843: 297) . Figs. 1–18 , 21 , 22 .

Type:— CHINA. Hong Kong: Lantao Island (= Lantau Island), Cape Syng-moon, August 1831, F.J.F. Meyen s.n. (B, not seen). = Clematis oreophila Hance ex Walpers (1851: 3) .

Type:— CHINA. Hong Kong, ad montium cacumina, H.F. Hance 486 (probably holotype, K000675068!). Fig. 21 .

= Clematis meyeniana var. insularis Sprague (1916: 46) .

Type:— CHINA. Taiwan: Taipei, Danshui (Tamsuy), R. Oldham 1 (holotype K000815943!, isotypes LE!, P!). Fig. 22 .

= Clematis meyeniana f. major Sprague (1916: 46) .

Type:— CHINA. Guangdong: North River, C. Ford 106 (holotype K, not seen).

= Clematis meyeniana f. retusa Sprague (1916: 46) .

Type:—no type designated (see below for a discussion).

= Clematis xinhuiensis Wang (1999: 26) , syn. nov.

Type:— CHINA. Guangdong: Xinhui, Gudoushan Forestry Plantation, Wuzhishan reservoir, 11 September 1981, W.C. Ko & B.H. Chen 112 (holotype IBSC!, isotype HGAS!). Fig. 1 .

= Clematis sinii Wang (2001a: 314) , syn. nov.

Type:— CHINA. Guangxi: Dayao Shan, Kuchun, 27 June 1931 (not 1937 as given by Wang (2001a) in the protologue), S.S. Sin 23329 (holotype IBSC, not seen).

Description:—Vines woody. Branches shallowly longitudinally 10-grooved. Leaves usually ternate, rarely simple; petiole 2–11 cm long, sparsely puberulous, glabrescent; leaflet blades ovate, elliptic-ovate, or narrowly ovate, 3.5–12 (–14) cm long, 1.5–5 (–9.5) cm broad, subleathery to papery, both surfaces sparsely puberulous, glabrescent, adaxially smooth or rarely finely rugose, base rounded, subcordate, or broadly cuneate, margin entire, apex acuminate to acute; basal veins abaxially prominent. Cymes axillary or terminal, usually panicle-like and many-flowered, rarely few-flowered; peduncle 2.6–7.5 cm long, sparsely puberulous; bracts subulate, 3.5–6 mm long. Flowers 1.6–2.5 cm in diameter. Pedicel 0.6–1.6 cm long, puberulous or rarely glabrous, mostly 2-bracteolate below the middle; bracteoles very small, 0.5–0.8 mm long. Sepals 4, white, or rarely pinkish outside, narrowly oblong to lanceolate, 8–13 mm long, 2.2–4 cm broad, both surfaces glabrous. Stamens 5–9.5 mm long, glabrous; anther narrowly oblong to linear, 3–5.5 mm long, apex minutely apiculate. Ovaries puberulous. Styles 5–9 mm long, densely villous. Achenes falcate-lanceolate, 5–6– 7.5 cm long, sparsely puberulous; persistent style 2–4 cm long, yellow plumose.

Phenology:—Flowering from June to August; fruiting from August to October.

Distribution and habitat:— Clematis meyeniana is widely distributed in eastern and southeastern Asia, including China, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. In China, it occurs in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hong Kong, Hunan, Jiangxi, Macao, Taiwan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang ( Fig. 23 ), growing in bushes or sparse forests, or by streams at elevations of 20−1800 m above sea level.

Additional specimens examined (only those from China cited herein):— CHINA. Fujian: Changting, C.M. Hu 3713 (IBSC, LBG, PE); Dehua, Y.Q. Ye 149 (FJSI); Liancheng, Xiamen Univ. Meihua Shan Exped. 1009 (AU), 1279 (AU); Longyan, Y. Ling 4457 (AU, PE), X.F. Zeng ZXF29322 (CZH); Nanjing, Xiamen Univ. Exped. 93 (PE), 228 (PE), 340 (PE), 1103 (KUN, PE), H.J. Zheng & J.D. Huang 10228 (AU); Nanping, G.S. He 994 (FJSI, PE), X.Y. Jiang 20160801B13 (AU), Z.Y. Li 11221 (PE); Pinghe, Y.B. Chen 826 (FJSI), 835 (FJSI, PE), G.S. He 1181 (FJSI, IBK, PE), 2055 (FJSI), 2154 (FJSI), 2192 (FJSI), X.F. Zeng ZXF20921 (CZH), ZXF23106 (CZH), ZXF26887 (CZH), ZXF28757 (CZH), ZXF28914 (CZH), ZXF34346 (CZH) X.Q. Zhang 12234 (AU); Putian, Y.Y. Fang & Y.F. Gao 106 (FJIDC); Shunchang, M.S. Li & Z.Y. Li 5384 (FJSI, PE); Tong’an, Y.B. Chen 2813 (FJSI); Wuping, Meihua Shan Exped. 134 (FJSI, IBSC); Wuyishan, Anonymous FN31 (PE), G.C. Chang & B.H. Chen 43 (IBSC), C.P. Chien et al. 400433 (PE), Sci. Exped. 790097 (FJIDC), Wuyi Exped. 80-0644 (IBSC), s.n. (FJSI); Yongchun, Anonymous 638 (N), 22269 (AU, CAF, N), J.C. Lim 3867 (AU); Yunxiao, X.F. Zeng ZXF28264 (CZH), ZXF32692 (CZH), ZXF33325 (CZH); Zhangpu, 236-6 Exped. 1151 (PE), X.F. Zeng ZXF31593 (CZH); Zhao’an, Anonymous s.n. (FJIDC), X.F. Zeng ZXF21411 (CZH), ZXF28158 (CZH), ZXF30927 (CZH), ZXF31008 (CZH), ZXF31321 (CZH); Precise locality unknown, Anonymous 456 (N), Anonymous 51651 (CAF), G. Ho 2252 (PE), L.K. Ling 142 (AU). Guangdong: Boluo, H.K. Chun 41192 (IBK, IBSC, JXU, KUN, PE, SN, SYS, SZ), Q.W. Fei HQL111 (IBSC), Levine et al. 6838 (IBSC), E.D. Merrill 11031 (NYBG), W.T. Tsang 9937 (IBSC, NAS, PE, US), K. Tung 78 (L), Y.Q. Wang 15 (IBSC), 280 (IBSC), 1221 (IBSC), C.F. Wei 121749 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, PE, SZ), Yue-78 6146 (IBSC), 6174 (IBSC); Chao’an, F.Y. Zeng 1262 (IBSC), 1367 (IBSC), X.F. Zeng ZXF2188 (IBSC), ZXF2335 (IBSC), ZXF2791 (IBSC), ZXF9809 (CZH); Dabu, S.C. Lee 202714 (HHBG, HIB, IBK, IBSC, PE), X.W. Wang 115 (IBSC); Deqing, Y.K. Lau 00938 (GZAC, HHBG, IBSC, PE); Dianbai, H.G. Ye 6277 (IBSC); Fengkai, Anonymous 0940 (IBSC), B.H. Chen 1472 (IBSC), K.C. Ting 6033 (IBSC); Fengshun, H.G. Ye 4101 (IBSC), X.F. Zeng ZXF00894 (CZH), ZXF00901 (CZH), ZXF2152 (CZH, IBSC), ZXF5771 (CZH), ZXF6372 (CZH), ZXF8115 (CZH), ZXF21215 (CZH), ZXF21600 (CZH); Gaoyao, Y.K. Lau 01656 (IBSC,PE), G.L. Shi 341 (IBSC), 1024 (HITBC), 12495 (IBSC), 13076 (IBSC, PE), 13112 (IBSC, PE), 13128 (IBSC, PE), 13686 (IBSC, WUK), 14077 (IBSC), 14310 (IBSC), 15311 (IBSC), K.C. Ting & G.L. Shi 912 (IBSC, L), 1042 (IBSC), 1560 (IBSC, WUK), 10306 (IBSC), C.L. Tso 21415 (IBSC), S. Wang 161890 (IBSC), P.C. Zhou 10374 (HITBC, PE); Guangzhou, Sino-German. Exped. 1017 (IBSC), L. Teng 8751 (AU, IBK, IBSC, KUN, PE), S. Wang 164682 (IBSC, PE), C. Wright s.n. (NYBG), H.G. Ye 7132 (IBSC); Haifeng, Anonymous 8338 (IBSC), C.F. Wei 121426 (IBSC, NAS, PE); Heping, G.C. Chang 156 (IBSC), 261 (IBSC), Heping Exped. 552 (IBSC); Huaiji, B.H. Chen 1271 (IBSC), Y.K. Lau 02673 (HHBG, IBSC, PE), W.T. Tsang 22741 (IBSC, IBK), 22912 (IBSC, P), 23112 (IBSC), 23183 (IBSC); Huidong, B.Y. Chen & G.C. Chang 698 (IBSC), B.Y. Chen et al. 106 (IBK, IBSC), C.F. Wei 121071 (IBSC, PE); Huilai, C.L. Tso 23450 (IBSC); Huiyang, B.H. Chen 509 (IBSC), W.T. Tsang 25454 (IBSC), 25615 (IBSC), 25803 (E, IBSC), 25825 (E, IBSC); Jiangmen, Gudou Shan Group 20098227 (SN), 200808434 (SN); Jiedong, X.F. Zeng ZXF31692 (CZH); Jiexi, R.J. Wang & Y.D. Xu WRJ6179 (IBSC), X.F. Zeng ZXF21070 (CZH), ZXF31285 (CZH); Lechang, Z.Z. Cao & Y.S. Ye 3696 (IBSC), 4527 (IBSC), 4642 (IBSC), Z.Z. Cao & J.W. Zhai 4740 (IBSC), P.M. Chang 20132 (IBSC), B.Y. Chen et al. 2546 (IBSC, IBK), 2602 (IBSC, IBK), 2905 (IBSC, IBK), T.S. Chu 043 (IBSC), 166 (CAF), C.L. Lo 744 (IBSC), 746 (IBSC), H.Y. Mai 20914 (PEY), C.L. Tso 20879 (AU, IBSC, NYBG), 21186 (IBK, IBSC, NYBG), S. Wang 163002 (IBSC); Liannan, Y.Q. Cheng 170381 (IBSC), P.C. Tam 59555 (IBSC, PE); Lianshan, P.C. Tam 58216 (IBK, IBSC), 58455 (IBSC, PE), 58534 (IBSC, PE), 58720 (IBSC, PE); Lianzhou, Nanling Exped. 182 (IBSC); Longchuan, B.H. Chen 987 (IBSC), X.F. Zeng ZXF22294 (CZH), ZXF22304 (CZH); Longmen, G.C. Chang 022 (IBSC, HGAS), S.C. Lee 200272 (IBSC), W.T. Tsang 25440 (IBSC), S. Wang 161974 (IBSC), X.W. Wang & G.C. Chang 8133 (HGAS, IBK, IBSC); Lufeng, C.F. Wei 121273 (IBSC, NAS, PE), 121314 (IBK, IBSC, PE); Luoding, N. Liou & H.G. Ya 2320 (IBSC); Maoming, L. Teng 1708 (PE), 1833 (IBSC, PE), 003167 (HITBC); Meizhou, J.L. Gressitt 1415 (E); Qingyuan, South China Agr. Univ.-Xianhu Bot. Gard. Exped. SCAUF661 (SZG), C. Wang 30632 (IBSC, PE, WUK), 30690 (IBSC), F.W. Xing et al. 1483 (IBSC); Qujiang, F.W. Xing 1483 (IBSC); Raoping, X.F. Zeng ZXF6244 (CZH), ZXF30532 (CZH); Renhua, L. Teng 7186 (AU, IBK, IBSC, WUK), W.T. Tsang 26185 (IBSC), 26270 (IBSC); Ruyuan, Ao73 01095 (PE), Z.C. Chen et al. 0507104 (SZG), S.K. Lau 28911 (IBK), N.H. Xia & N. Liu 012 (IBSC), 384 (IBSC), Yue-71 443 (IBSC), Yue-73 00593 (HGAS, IBSC), 1095 (HGAS, IBSC); Shenzhen, Q.L. Huang & K.Y. Qiu 087 (IBSC), Q.L. Huang & H.S. Wu 088 (IBSC), Shenzhen Exped. 584 (PE, SZG), 1669 (PE, SZG), G.D. Wang et al. 6753 (SZG), 6908 (SZG), 6988 (SZG), 7086 (SZG), 7093 (SZG), 7316 (SZG), 7391 (SZG), 7550 (SZG), 7773 (SZG), 7945 (SZG), F.W. Xing & Y.X. Zhang 10741 (IBSC), 11593 (IBSC), X.S. Xu & Y.Q. Yang 011700 (SZG), Y.C. Xu 1404 (SZG), S.Z. Zhang & Z.C. Chen 011094 (SZG), S.Z. Zhang et al. 2666 (SZG), 3499 (SZG, PE), 3870 (SZG), 3911 (SZG), 4015 (SZG), 4054 (SZG), 4068 (SZG), 4178 (SZG), 4335 (SZG), 4544 (SZG), 4817 (SZG), 4897 (SZG), 7093 (SZG), 012589 (SZG), SCAUF805 (SZG), SCAUF1008 (SZG); Taishan, Anonymous 8070 (IBSC), 8090 (IBSC); Wengyuan, S.K. Lau 24076 (IBK); Wuhua, Q.L. Huang & H.S. Wu 089 (IBSC); Xinfeng, H.G. Ye 950 (IBSC), Q.F. Yi et al. 2810 (IBSC); Xinhui, Y.K. Lau 2461 (HHBG, HIB), Y.P. Zeng et al. 475 (IBSC); Xinyi, S.P. Ko 51669 (IBK, IBSC, PE), C. Wang 30966 (IBK, IBSC, PE, SYS), H.G. Ye 7822 (IBSC); Xingning, X.F. Zeng ZXF22085 (CZH), ZXF27989 (CZH); Xuwen, Xuwen Exped. 00460 (PE); Yangchun, N. Liu et al. 255 (IBSC), C.L. Lo 1220 (IBSC), H.G. Ye 6093 (IBSC); Yangshan, Liangguang Exped. 0320 (PE), Mountain Veg. Group 102 (IBSC), Nanling Exped. 1678 (IBSC), L. Teng 123 (IBSC), 246 (IBK, IBSC); Yingde, W.Y. Chun 7058 (IBSC, SYS), 7148 (IBSC, SYS), Y. Tsiang 567 (IBK, IBSC, NAS, SYS), 60882 (AU, IBK, IBSC, PE, WUK), 60901 (IBK, IBSC, PE), H.Y. Liang 60977 (AU), 61255 (IBK, IBSC, PE, WUK); Yunfu, E.T. Liu 001 (IBSC), C. Wang 37267 (IBSC), 40819 (IBSC); Zhuhai, B.H Chen 643 (IBSC), Yue-73 3086 (IBSC), 3089 (IBSC), J.Q. Yun & S.W. Deng 150448 (IBSC); Precise locality unknown, W.Y. Chun 5654 (IBSC), Nanjing Univ. s.n. (N), Shaoguan Exped. 1214 (IBSC), Yue-74 4997 (IBSC). Guangxi: Beiliu, M.J. Liang 66299 (PE), L.J. Luo 450981130626003LY (GXMG); Cangwu, Z.Y. Ni & C.C. Huang 13076 (GXMG); Cenxi, Y.L. Zhu et al. 450481121128019LY (GXMG); Chongzuo, H.Y. Liang 67397 (IBK, IBSC), Nonggang Exped. 10412 (HITBC), 11694 (HITBC); Daxin, G.Z. Li & S.C. Tang 313 (IBK), H.Z. Lv et al. 451424150910068LY (GXMG); Dongxing, H.Y. Liang 69548 (IBK); Fangcheng, W.T. Tsang 26589 (P); Fengshan, H.Z. Lv et al. 451223130830031LY (GXMG), 451223130329090LY (GXMG); Gongcheng, Gongcheng Exped. 0235 (IBK), Y.K. Li 402888 (IBK, IBSC); Guanyang, Z.Z. Chen 52206 (IBK, IBSC); Guilin, C.S. Chung 808876 (IBSC); Guiping, Anonymous 16819 (PE); Hezhou, C.T. Li 604108 (IBSC), Y. Liu et al. H0056 (PE), H0182 (IBK, PE); Huanjiang, S.H. Chun 15484 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, NAS, PE, WUK); Jinxiu, Y.C. Chen 1061 (IBK), Dayao Shan Exped. 10235 (IBK, IBSC), 11445 (IBK, IBSC), 11479 (IBSC), 12867 (IBK, IBSC), M. Guo et al. 451324130717015LY (GXMG), Q.L. Huang & K.Y. Qiu 086 (IBSC), Y.K. Li 400784 (IBK, IBSC, WUK), C.H. Lui 4502 (IBSC, PE), 4568 (IBSC, PE), Y.M. Zhao et al. 1932 (GXMG); Jingxi, C.C. Chang 15182 (IBK, IBSC), Y.S. Huang et al. LYJX0131 (GXMG), S.P. Ko 55689 (IBK, IBSC), H.Z. Lv & R.L. Mo 16841 (GXMG), T. Yi et al. 14082902 (IBSC); Lingui, W.Q. Chen 0565 (IBSC), Z.Z. Chen 51148 (IBK, IBSC), 52833 (IBK), Lingui Exped. 450322130729033LY (GXMG); Lingchuan, Linchuan Exped. 450323130928014LY (GXMG); Lingyun, R.C. Ching 6890 (IBSC, NAS, NYBG, PE, SYS), S.K. Lau 28460 (IBK, IBSC), 28642 (IBK, IBSC, PE, SZ), 28652 (IBSC, PE, SZ); Liuzhou, C.S. Chung 82482 (IBK); Longlin, L.Y. Yu et al. 451031150310062LY (GXMG), Zhongzhilianguangxi Exped. 3041 (PE); Longsheng, Anonymous 105 (PE), Guangfulinqu Exped. 00846 (IBK, IBSC, PE, SZ), 00900 (IBK, IBSC, PE, SZ), 00982 (IBK, IBSC, PE), 00997 (IBK, IBSC, PE, SYS, SZ), G.Z. Li 62784 (IBK), Longsheng Exped. 450328140811092LY (GXMG, IBK), 450328140813039LY (GXMG, IBK), 450328140826008LY (GXMG, IBK), C.H. Lui & Y.T. Wei 20255 (IBK), H.F. Tan 700767 (FJSI, IBK, IBSC, NAS), H.F. Tan & C.T. Li 70580 (IBK, IBSC), 71216 (IBK, IBSC), S.L. Yu & H.F. Tan 700502 (GAC, IBK); Longzhou, H.Y. Liang 65802 (IBK), T.Y. Tu 633 (IBSC); Luocheng, PE 895763 (PE), S.H. Chun 14980 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, NAS, PE); Mashan, H.C. Chung 301536 (IBK); Napo, Huanan Exped. 1131 (PE), Y.F. Huang & J. Huang HYF0031 (GXMG), HYF0547 (GXMG), HYF0821 (GXMG), N.F. Li et al. GXMG1348 (GXMG); Nanning, Guangxi Exped. 2748 (PE), K.L. Liang 12106 (GXMG), W.T. Tsang 21844 (WUK); Ningming, C.C. Chang 12890 (IBK, IBSC), Y.S. Chen 5033 (PE), Guangxi Museum 7686 (IBSC); Pingxiang, Beijing Youth Exped. 0917 (PE), S.X. Yu 3081 (PE); Qinzhou, H. Zhu et al. 450703140705006LY (GXMG); Quanzhou, C.S. Chung 81518 (IBSC), 83301 (IBK, IBSC), Quanzhou Exped. 450324121013036LY (IBK, GXMG), Y.M. Zhao et al. GXMG200 (GXMG); Rongshui, S.H. Chun 14497 (IBK, IBSC), 15858 (IBK, IBSC, WUK), 15966 (IBSC, WUK), 16230 (IBK, IBSC, WUK), 16701 (IBK, IBSC, WUK), G.R. Long 4814 (PE), C.H. Lui 2597 (HITBC, IBK, IBSC), Rongshui Exped. 450225121202002LY (GXMG), 450225131006017LY (GXMG), Z.Y. Yuan 1154 (CAF); Shangsi, W.T. Tsang 22672 (IBK, IBSC, P, WUK), 23866 (NYBG), 24092 (IBSC, NYBG), 24157 (IBSC, NYBG), K. Wang et al. 1041 (IBK); Tengxian, L.H. Chun 91288 (IBK, IBSC); Tian’e, Beijing Exped. 890603 (PE); Tianlin, C.T. Li 600903 (IBK), Tianlin Exped. 451029130719024 (GXMG, GXMI), 451029130719067 (GXMI), 451029130724014 (GXMG, GXMI), 451029130909035 (GXMG, GXMI), 451029130914009 (GXMG, GXMI); Wuming, X.X. Huang et al. 09849 (IBSC), R.L. Mo & Y.Q. Su 993 (GXMG), H. Wang 5865 (PE); Wuzhou, S.K. Lee 81291 (PE); Xing’an, Z.Z. Chen 51220 (IBK, IBSC), 51328 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, PE, WUK), 51663 (IBK, IBSC, PE), F.H. Hsieh & S.K. Lee 30-18 (IBK), G.Z. Li 15012 (PE), 15249 (PE), Xing’an Exped. 450325140723012LY (GXMG), 450325140913033LY (GXMG), Y.M. Zhao et al. 282 (GXMG); Zhaoping, C.Z. Jiang & M.S. Hsia 4336 (IBK, IBSC); Ziyuan, C.S. Chung 83608 (IBK, IBSC, PE), T.A. Huang 60910 (IBSC); Precise locality unknown, Anonymous s.n. (IBSC), Anonymous s.n. (PE), Z.Z. Chen 51584 (IBK, IBSC), R.C. Ching 6840 (PE), 7390 (PE), G.W. Groff 655 (PE), Guangxi Exped. 323 (PE), S.S. Sin 21666 (IBSC), 22408 (IBSC), 22433 (IBSC), W.T. Tsang 23350 (IBK). Guizhou:Anlong, C.Z. Dang 1113 (HGAS); Congjiang, T.F. Huang 01216 (HGAS, TIE); Jiangkou, T.S. Chang 401911 (HGAS), C.P. Chien 30588 (HGAS); Kaili, Qiannan Exped. 01689 (HGAS, PE), 02227 (HGAS, NAS, PE), 03821 (HGAS, KUN, NAS, PE, SZ); Leishan, C.P. Chien et al. 50855 (HGAS, PE); Libo, Guizhou Univ. Agr. Inst. Exped. 8-704 (GZAC), Y.K. Li 9767 (HGAS), Libo Exped. 1135 (HGAS, PE); Liping, J.M. Yuan 00276 (HGAS); Rongjiang, C.P. Chien et al. 51363 (PE), 51425 (HGAS, PE), Guiyang Exped. 74-919 (HGAS), Qiannan Exped. 02833 (NAS, PE); Xingren, T.S. Chang & Y.T. Chang 8438 (HGAS, IBK, IBSC, PE, WUK), 8488 (NAS, PE), C.Z. Dang 1582 (HGAS), Guizhou Exped. 7465 (IBK, IBSC, NAS, PE); Xingyi, T.S. Chang & Y.T. Chang 6821 (WUK), 7112 (HGAS, IBSC, PE); Zhenfeng, C.Z. Dang 2562 (HGAS), Y. Tsiang 4537 (E, IBSC, NAS, PE); Precise locality unknown, J. Cavalerie 4263 (P). Hainan: Lingao, W.T. Tsang 15708 (US); Yazhou, S.K. Lau 596 (N); Precise locality unknown, P.C. Tam 61853 (IBK, IBSC), 61955 (IBK, IBSC). Hong Kong: E. Bodinier 680 (E), K.Y. Chan 1176 (P, PE), 1512 (PE), T.C. Chen 10 (IBSC), N.K. Chun 41849 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, NAS, PE), W.Y. Chun 3157 (IBSC, NYBG), 9153 (IBSC), 9154 (IBSC), 9155 (IBSC), 9156 (IBSC), 5002A (IBSC), J. Esquirol 1164 (P), C. Ford s.n. (NYBG, P), R. Fortune 51 (P), H.F. Hance 388 (P), Hu & But 22711 (L), S.Y. Hu 8337 (PE), 8338 (PE), 10556 (PE), 10611 (PE, US), 10710 (PE), 10779 (PE), 12322 (PE), 12849 (PE), P.W.W. Joseph 257 (P), P.W.W. Joseph & T.K. Woo 324 (P), 808 (P), F.A. McClure 00106 (NYBG), Y.W. Taam 1464 (NYBG), 1639 (G, NYBG, US), 2123 (NYBG), Y. Tsiang 668 (E, IBSC), 707 (IBK, IBSC, PE), 3008 (IBSC), 3019 (IBSC, NYBG), C.L. Tso 21830 (IBK, IBSC), 22571 (IBSC), C. Wang 3055 (IBSC, PEY), 3240 (IBSC, P), C. Wright s.n (NYBG), C. Wright s.n (P), F.W. Xing 7431 (IBSC), 7701 (IBSC), K.X. Xu 023177 (SZG), 024084 (SZG). Hunan: Hongjiang, C.T. Lee 3008 (IBSC, PE); Jianghua, Y.K. Li 401292 (IBK); Jiangyong, P.C. Tam 62295 (IBK); Lanshan, X.X. Huang et al. 14709 (IBSC); Ningyuan, P.C. Tam 61730 (IBK); Suining, J.J. Zhou & D. Zhou 13658 (CSFI); Wugang, Anonymous 11136 (WU), L.H. Liou & K.C. Ho 15961 (IBSC, PE, WUK), P.C. Tsoong 1299 (PE), C.F. Zhang 1746 (PE); Xinning, P.C. Tam 63320 (IBK, IBSC); Yizhang, Centr. South Univ. Forest. Techn. 301 (WUK), S.H. Chun 2045 (IBK, IBSC, KUN, PE, SZ), 5449 (IBSC), M.S. Huang 111268 (IBSC), S.K. Lau 29711 (IBSC), B.Z. Xiao 4381 (PE), 4477 (PE), 4627 (PE), S.H. Yu 53 (WUK). Jiangxi: Anfu, Jiangxi Exped. 946 (PE); Chongyi, Anonymous 16067 (JXU); Dayu, M.H. Nieh et al. 9485 (IBK, IBSC, LBG, SHM), C.S. Yok et al. 1335 (IBSC, PE); Ganzhou, C.B. Yang & K. Yao 1204 (IBSC, NAS, PE), X.F. Zeng ZXF13656 (CZH); Ji’an, S.H. Lai 792 (LBG); Jinggangshan, S.H. Lai et al. 4350 (IBSC, LBG); Lianhua, S.H. Lai 1506 (LBG, KUN, PE), 1589 (LBG, PE); Luxi, W.Z. Tan et al. LXP-13-08396 (SYS); Pingxiang, Jiangxi Exped. 457 (PE), 2760 (LBG, PE), Y.K. Xsiung 8476 (LBG); Quannan, Anonymous 01389 (LBG); Shangrao, Anonymous 9707170 (JXU); Shangyou, Jiangxi Group (70)483 (PE); Suichuan, Z.C. Liu et al. LXP-13- 17869 (SYS); Xingguo, Xinguo Acad. 485 (LBG, PE); Xunwu, C.M. Hu 1429 (IBSC), Y. Lin 15140 (JXU), 15231 (JXU), C.S. Yok et al. 2018 (IBSC, PE), 2068 (IBSC, PE); Yongxin, S.H. Lai 1117 (LBG, PE). Macao: G.H. Vachell 254 (E). Taiwan: Hsinchu, K.C. Yang 5558 (P), K.C. Yang et al. 02797 (P), s.n. (P); Hualien, T.T. Chen et al. 12327 (PE), K.U. Kramer et al. 8173 (U), C.C. Liao et al. 1558 (L), C.C. Yen Yang08766 (IBSC, P, PE); Ilan, S.T. Chiu et al. 07538 (P); Kaohsiung, C.S. Wang et al. 1051 (E), T.Y.A. Yang et al. 7496 (IBSC, L, P); Nantou, C.F. Chen 4392 (KUN), T.Y.A. Yang et al. 6046 (PE, P); Taichung, Y. Endo 2014 (NYBG), K.C. Yang et al. 02487 (P); Taipei, S.T. Chiu 07472 (P), T.S. Hsieh et al. s.n. (PE), T.Y.A. Yang et al. 16772 (P); Taoyuan, A. Hsiao 591 (CSH); Precise locality unknown, Anonymous m114 (JXU), U. Faurie 170 (E). Yunnan: Funing, C.W. Wang 89140 (HITBC, IBK, IBSC, PE, WUK); Hekou, W.S. Liou 139 (LBG), 278 (LBG, PE), 298 (HITBC); Jiangcheng, Jiangcheng Exped. 5308260554 (IMDY), T.H. Li 3367 (HITBC, KUN), S.Y. Zhang & Q.H. Hu YNS1262 (KUN), S.S. Zhou 10380 (HITBC); Jinping, P.I. Mao 415 (PE); Jinghong, C.W. Wang 78284 (IBSC, LBG, PE, WUK), G.D. Tao 17790 (IBSC), G.D. Tao et al. 19879 (HITBC), H. Wang 6137 (HITBC, IBSC, PE); Lianghe, Lianghe Exped. 5331220575 (IMDY); Luoping, Hongshuihe Exped. 1852 (PE); Maguan, T. Zhang et al. 08CS551 (KUN); Malipo, Y.M. Shui et al. 21224 (PE), 43456 (PE); Mengla, Anonymous 267 (PE), Mengla Exped. 5328231159 (IMDY); Menglian, Menglian Exped. 9577 (IBSC, KUN); Pu’er, H. Wang 4801 (IBSC, PE), S.S. Zhou 10656 (HITBC); Shuangjiang, G.S. Sin 865 (IBSC, LBG, KUN, PE, WUK), 1192 (IBSC, PE, KUN, WUK); Simao, A. Henry 12270 (E, US), 12270A (NYBG), P.I. Mao 5784 (IBSC, KUN, PE, WUK), S.S. Zhou 46 (IBSC); Tengchong, Anonymous 151 (IBSC), G. Forrest 8839 (P), E.B. Howell 42 (IBSC), T.H. Li & P.H. Yu 20522 (HITBC), 20639 (HITBC); Wenshan, Y.M. Shui 003186 (PE); Yingjiang, Y.J. Guo et al. 13CS7769 (KUN); Precise locality unknown, M.B. Anty s.n. (P), J. Cavalerie 7872 (E), G. Forrest 11755 (PE). Zhejiang: Longquan, Anonymous 1534 (ZM), S.Y. Chang 2867 (IBSC, PE), X.K. Qin & S.J. Hao 16239 (SHM); Qingyuan, Q.C. Chen & J.H. Zhou 2211 (PE).

Notes:—When Sprague (1916) described C. meyeniana f. retusa as new, he did not cite any specimen under it. In the protologue, he gave the information of provenance of C. meyeniana f. retusa as “Locality unknown. The plant is stated to have been received from the Hongkong Botanic Garden in 1885” and cited “ C. Meyeniana , Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7897, excl. syn.” immediately following the Latin diagnosis. According to Hooker (1903), “the specimen figured was from a plant received from Mr. C. Ford, Superintendent of the Hongkong Botanic Garden, in 1855”. This suggests that a specimen of C. meyeniana f. retusa should be kept at K. However, we have been unable to trace the specimen from K. If the specimen cannot be found at K or any other herbaria, the line illustration in Hooker (1903), which was excellently executed, seems to be considered the type of C. meyeniana f. retusa to guarantee the correct application of this name. It is worth mentioning that Hooker’s (1903) concept of C. meyeniana , which includes C. armandi as a synonym, is too broad indeed, and Sprague (1916) correctly excluded C. armandi from the synonymy of C. meyeniana .

Under Clematis meyeniana , a variety, i.e. var. granulata Finet & Gagnepain (1903) , has been generally recognized ( Finet & Gagnepain 1907, Sprague 1916, Chun 1934, Handel-Mazzetti 1939, How & Wang 1964, Anonymous 1972, 1984, Chang 1980, Wang 1991, 2003, Grey-Wilson 2001, Johnson 2001, Wang & Bartholomew 2001, Yang et al. 2015). This variety, described from the Hainan Island of China, is different from the type variety, var. meyeniana , by having leaflets finely rugose on upper side. Chun (1934) noted that “The var. granulata is easily distinguished from C. meyeniana Walp. by the granulated obscurely veined leaves, much smaller flowers, and especially by the very slender, almost filiform pedicels, an important distinction not mentioned by Finet & Gagnepain.” This variety is widely distributed in China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hong Kong, southeastern Yunnan), Laos, and Vietnam.

The identity of Clematis meyeniana var. insularis Sprague (1916: 46) has been a controversial matter. Sprague described it on the basis of four collections respectively from China (Taiwan), Japan (Ryukyu Islands), and the Philippines (Luzon), with the K sheet of the Taiwan collection, R. Oldham 1 ( Fig. 22 ), designated as the type. In the protologue, Sprague stated that C. meyeniana var. insularis was distinguishable by the glabrous inflorescence often racemose or 3-flowered, and the sepals obviously longer than the stamens and mucronate. Eichler (1958), Grey-Wilson (2001), Johnson (2001), and Wang (2001b) recognized C. meyeniana var. insularis as an independent taxon, but Merrill & Rolfe (1908), Ohwi (1965), Liu & Hsieh (1976), Yang & Huang (1995), Tamura (1997), and Yang (2009), reduced it to the synonymy of C. meyeniana . Wang (2003), however, placed C. meyeniana var. insularis in synonymy with C. finetiana . In the same paper, Wang (2003) proposed a new combination, C. finetiana var. lutchuensis ( Koidzumi 1925: 14) Wang (2003: 127) based on C. lutchuensis Koidzumi (1925: 14), a name published based on material from Japan and previously treated as a synonym of C. meyeniana var. insularis by Eichler (1958), Grey-Wilson (2001), Johnson (2001), and Wang (2001b). According to Wang (2003), the plants from Luzon, Taiwan and Ryukyu Islands previously referred to C. meyeniana or C. meyeniana var. insularis should belong to C. finetiana var. lutchuensis . After checking many relevant specimens, here we accept the treatment of placing C. meyeniana var. insularis in synonymy with C. meyeniana . In C. meyeniana , the sepals are from obtuse to mucronate at apex, and the pedicels, as pointed out by Yang & Huang (1995), are from pubescent to glabrous.

Clematis meyeniana var. uniflora Wang (1998: 158) was described on the basis of a single specimen, Longxishan Exped. 1528 (PE, not shown here), from Jiangle county in Fujian, China. In the protologue, the author stated that it differed from the type variety, var. meyeniana , by having 1-flowered axillary cymes. Since its description, C. meyeniana var. uniflora has been recognized as an independent taxon by Grey-Wilson (2001), Wang & Bartholomew (2001), and Wang (2003), although Wang (2003) still cited only the holotype. As the material of C. meyeniana var. uniflora is very scanty, we put the problem with its identity aside for a further study.

In the taxonomic treatment given above, we have only cited the synonyms of Clematis meyeniana published from Chinese material, not including those published from non-Chinese material. Clematis hothae Kurz (1877: 17) , which was described from Hotha in Myanmar, has been generally placed in synonymy with C. meyeniana since its description ( Sprague 1916, Grey-Wilson 2001, Johnson 2001, Wang 2003). We have checked the original material of this name at Kew and we accept this treatment. Clematis craibiana Lace (1915: 395) , which was also described from Myanmar, was reduced to the synonymy of C. meyeniana by Sprague (1916) (he specifically placed C. craibiana in synonymy with C. meyeniana f. major ), a treatment accepted by Handel-Mazzetti (1939), Grey-Wilson (2001), Johnson (2001), and Wang (2003). This treatment, however, may not be correct. From the type material of C. craibiana ( Fig. 24 ), it can be seen that no bracteoles are borne on most of the pedicels, a fairly constant character in C. meyeniana as we have mentioned above. In addition, C. craibiana was recorded to flower in March on the field labels of the type specimens, while C. meyeniana usually flowers from June to August. The absence of bracteoles on pedicels in C. craibiana and the flowering period in spring remind us of C. armandi , a species widely distributed in China, Myanmar, and Vietnam, and C. jialasaensis Wang in Wang & Li (1986: 268) described from China’s southeastern Xizang (Mêdog). Although C. armandi may at once be distinguished from C. craibiana and C. jialasaensis by the presence of large scale-leaves at the base of inflorescences, this character is not always present on the specimens of this species, which usually include only a certain portion of a plant. In our survey of specimens of C. armandi , we found that scale-leaves are indeed often absent at the base of inflorescences in this species. Further studies are needed to determine the identities of C. craibiana and C. jialasaensis with certainty.

Similar to the case with the identity of C. craibiana is the problem with the identification of two collections, J.M. Delavay 4 (P; Fig. 25A ) and J.M. Delavay 5146 (P; Fig. 25B, C ), respectively from Tchen-fong-chan (Chengfeng Shan) and Long-ki both formerly belonging to Yanjin county but now Shuifu county in northeastern Yunnan, China. Franchet (1886) cited J.M. Delavay 4 under C. meyeniana , and Finet & Gagnepain (1903) and Anonymous (1984) cited both J.M. Delavay 4 and J.M. Delavay 5146 under this species, but Wang (2003) cited the G sheet of J.M. Delavay 5146 under C. finetiana . These two collections, with no bracteoles borne on the pedicels, should not belong to C. meyeniana or C. finetiana . A new variety, C. jialasaensis var. macrantha Wang (2001b: 4) , was described on the basis of a collection from Yanjin county in northeastern Yunnan, i.e. F. Ducloux 2021 (P; Fig. 26 . It seems that J.M. Delavay 4 and J.M. Delavay 5146 can be readily referred to C. jialasaensis var. macrantha , but the identity of C. jialasaensis var. macrantha itself, just like that of C. craibiana and of C. jialasaensis , is problematic. Under both C. armandi and C. jialasaensis var. macrantha Wang (2003) , in the same paper, cited M.Y. He and Z.M. Tan 117028 (CDBI, PE, SZ; Fig. 27 ), a collection from Leibo county in southwestern Sichuan, China. The only difference between C. armandi and C. jialasaensis var. macrantha seems to lie in the presence or absence of large scale-leaves at the base of inflorescences. Large scale-leaves are indeed present at the base of inflorescences on some sheets of the collection M.Y. He and Z.M. Tan 117028 ( Fig. 27B, D ), but absent on other sheets of the same collection ( Fig. 27A, C ). Further studies are needed to determine the identity of C. jialasaensis var. macrantha with certainty and correctly identify the collections of J.M. Delavay 4 and J.M. Delavay 5146.

When Sprague (1916) dealt with the taxonomy of Clematis meyeniana , he pointed out that the original descriptions of C. meyeniana and C. oreophola corresponded respectively to lower and upper portions of the plant. He thus further stressed that “much of the difficulty experienced in classifying the species and varieties of Clematis is due to the incompleteness of the specimens available for examination. The leaves and even the inflorescences often show considerable differences according to the part of the plant on which they are borne, and care and care should therefore be taken by collectors to obtain a series of specimens from the various parts of a single plant.” Although he may have wrongly reduced C. craibiana to the synonymy of C. meyeniana based on the type material which includes only portions of a plant, his suggestion on the collecting method of specimens of Clematis is worth being kept in the mind of collectors of plants in this genus. In our opinion, when classifying the species of Clematis , some of which are morphologically highly variable, the importance of using a combination of characters instead of relying on only a single character, cannot be over emphasized.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Holotype (A) and isotype (B) sheets of Clematis xinhuiensis (= C. meyeniana). A. China, Guangdong, Xinhui, W.C. Ko & B.H. Chen 112 (IBSC). B. W.C. Ko & B.H. Chen 112 (HGAS).

FIGURE 2. Selected specimens of Clematis meyeniana from Hong Kong, China, the type locality of this species.A. Y. Tsiang 668 (E). B. Hu & But 22711 (L). C. F.A. Mcclure 00106 (NYBG). D. Y.W. Taam 1639 (US).

FIGURE 3. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Boluo in Guangdong, China).A. Habitat. B. Flowering branch.C. Portion of stem. D. Leaves (adaxial side). E. Portion of leaflet (adaxial side). F. Portion of leaflet (abaxial side). G. Inflorescence. H. Trichotomous branchlet of cyme (red arrows indicating two opposite bracteoles always borne below the middle of the pedicels of the two lateral flowers). I. Portion of pedicel, showing the bracteoles. J. Flower. K. Sepals (abaxial side). L. Sepals (adaxial side). M. Stamens. N. Carpels. Photographed by Wen-qun Fei.

FIGURE 4. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Boluo in Guangdong, China, W.Q. Fei HQL111 (IBSC).

FIGURE 5. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Shenzhen in Guangdong, China). A. Habitat. B. Juvenile plant with both simple and ternate leaves. C. Flowering branch. D. Portion of stem. E. Leaves (a and b from two different individuals). F. Portion of leaflet (adaxial side). G. Portion of leaflet (abaxial side). H. Inflorescence. I. Trichotomous branchlet of cyme (red arrows indicating two opposite bracteoles always borne below the middle of the pedicels of the two lateral flowers). J. Portion of pedicel, showing the bracteoles. K. Flower. L. Sepals (abaxial side). M. Sepals (adaxial side). N. Stamens. O. Carpels. Photographed by Qiao-lan Huang.

FIGURE 6. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Shenzhen in Guangdong, China. A. B. Q.L. Huang & K.Y. Qiu 087 (IBSC). C. D. Q.L. Huang & H.S. Wu 088 (IBSC).

FIGURE 7. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Wuhua in Guangdong, China). A. Habitat. B. Juvenile plant with ternate leaves. C. Juvenile plant with simple leaves. D. Branches (a, b, and c from three different individuals).

FIGURE 8. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Wuhua in Guangdong, China). A. Portion of stem. B. Leaves (a and b from two different individuals). C. Portion of leaflet (adaxial side). D. Portion of leaflet (abaxial side). E. Inflorescence. F. Trichotomous branchlet of cyme (red arrows indicating two opposite bracteoles always borne below the middle of the pedicels of the two lateral flowers). G. Portion of pedicel, showing the bracteoles. H. Flower. I. Sepals (abaxial side). J. Sepals (adaxial side). K. Stamens. L. Carpels. M. Aggregate fruit. N. Achenes. Photographed by Qiao-lan Huang.

FIGURE 9. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Wuhua in Guangdong, China, Q.L. Huang & H.S. Wu 089 (IBSC).

FIGURE 10. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Yunfu in Guangdong, China). A. Branches (all from the same individual). B. Portion of stem. C. Leaf (adaxial side). D. Portion of leaflet (adaxial side). E. Portion of leaflet (abaxial side). F. Aggregate fruit. G. Achenes. Photographed by En-tong Liu.

FIGURE 11. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Yunfu in Guangdong, China, E.T. Liu 001 (IBSC).

FIGURE 12. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Xinhui in Guangdong, China, the type locality of C. xinhuiensis (= C. meyeniana)). A, B. Habitat. C. Branches (all from different individuals, a–d with both simple and ternate leaves on the same individual, e with only ternate leaves, anf f with only simple leaves). Photographed by You-pai Zeng.

FIGURE 14. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Xinhui in Guangdong, China, the type locality of C. xinhuiensis (= C. meyeniana), Y.P. Zeng et al. 475 (IBSC).

FIGURE 15. Clematis meyeniana in the wild (Jinxiu in Guangxi, China, the type locality of C. sinii (= C. meyeniana)). A. Habitat. B, C. Flowering branch. D. Portion of stem. E. Leaves from the same individual. F. Portion of leaflet (adaxial side). G. Portion of leaflet (abaxial side). H. Inflorescences. I.Trichotomous branchlet of cyme (red arrows indicating two opposite bracteoles always borne below the middle of the pedicels of the two lateral flowers). J. Portion of pedicel, showing the bracteoles. K. Flower. L. Sepals (adaxial side). M. Sepals (abaxial side). N. Stamens. O. Carpels. P. Aggregate fruit (immature). Q. Achenes (immature). Photographed by Qiao-lan Huang.

FIGURE 16. Specimens (A–D) of Clematis meyeniana from Jinxiu in Guangxi, China, the type locality of C. sinii (= C. meyeniana), Q.L. Huang & K.Y. Qiu 086 (IBSC).

FIGURE 17. Selected specimens of Clematis meyeniana with both simple and ternate leaves.A. China, Shenzhen, Yantian, Y.C. Xu 1404 (SZG). B. China, Shenzhen, Yantian, C.Z. Zhang et al. 3911 (SZG). C. China, Guangxi, Rongshui, S.H. Chun 15966 (PE). D. China, Hong Kong, Anonymous s.n. (L).

FIGURE 18. Selected specimens of Clematis meyeniana from Jinxiu in Guangxi, China. A. Ku-chun (= Gucun village), the exact type locality of C. sinii (= C. meyeniana), S.S. Sin 21666 (IBSC). B. Lo-mong, S.S. Sin 22408 (IBSC). C. Lo-mong, S.S. Sin 22433 (IBSC); inset: flower. D. Dayao Shan, Y.K. Li 400784 (IBSC).

FIGURE 21. Type material of Clematis oreophila (= C. meyeniana), H.F. Hance 486 (probably holotype K000675068).

FIGURE 22. Holotype (A) and isotype (B–D) sheets of Clematis meyeniana var. insularis (= C. meyeniana), China, Taiwan, Taipei, Danshui (Tamsuy).A. R. Oldham 1 (K000815943). B, C. R. Oldham 1 (LE). D. R. Oldham 1 (P).

FIGURE 23. Distribution of Clematis meyeniana (●) in China. The type locality of C. xinhuiensis (= C. meyeniana) is marked with orange square (■), and the type locality of C. sinii (= C. meyeniana) with green square (■). The red arrow indicates Hong Kong, China, the type locality of C. meyeniana and C. oreophila (= C. meyeniana), and the blue arrow indicates Taipei in Taiwan, China, the type locality of C. meyeniana var. insularis (= C. meyeniana).

FIGURE 24. Type material of Clematis craibiana. A, B. Myanmar, Maymyo Plateau, J.H. Lace 6122 (E). C. J.H. Lace 6122 (K).

FIGURE 25. Two collections of Clematis armandi or C. jialasaensis var. macrantha from northeastern Yunnan, China, previously misidentified as C. meyeniana. A. China, Yunnan, Shuifu, Tchen-fong-chan (Chengfeng Shan), J.M. Delavay 4 (P). B, C. China, Yunnan, Shuifu, Long-ki, J.M. Delavay 5146 (P).

FIGURE 26. Holotype (A) and isotype (B) sheets of Clematis jialasaensis var. macrantha, China, Yunnan, Shuifu, Tchen-fong-chan (= Chengfeng Shan), F. Ducloux 2021 (P).

FIGURE 27. Four specimens of M.Y. He and Z.M. Tan 117028 from Leibo in Sichuan, China, a collection cited under both Clematis armandi and C. jialasaensis var. macrantha by Wang (2003).A. CDBI. B–D. PE.