Question 1

What is Clematis gouriana used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic medicine, Clematis gouriana is traditionally used to address skin conditions, rheumatic complaints, and inflammatory disorders. Various plant parts — leaves, stems, and roots — may be prepared as pastes, decoctions, or oils depending on the application. It should only be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, as the plant contains compounds that can cause irritation if mishandled.

Question 2

Where can Clematis gouriana be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows across multiple ecological zones in Sri Lanka, favouring secondary forests, scrublands, roadsides, and forest margins in the dry and intermediate zones. It is a climbing vine that uses surrounding vegetation as support. Its adaptability means it is found in many parts of the island rather than being confined to a single region.

Question 3

Is Clematis gouriana the same as virgin's bower?

Accepted Answer

Clematis gouriana is sometimes called small virgin's bower in English, linking it to the broader common name applied to many Clematis species. It is a distinct species from the European Clematis vitalba, which is also called old man's beard or traveller's joy. The two share a family and growth habit but differ in range, flower characteristics, and medicinal applications.

Question 4

Is Clematis gouriana an endangered plant in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Clematis gouriana is not currently classified as endangered in Sri Lanka. It grows in a range of disturbed and secondary habitats, which makes it relatively resilient compared to forest-dependent endemic species. General pressures on Sri Lanka's medicinal plant flora, including habitat loss and over-harvesting, remain concerns for the broader botanical community.

Question 5

What family does Clematis gouriana belong to?

Accepted Answer

Clematis gouriana belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, commonly known as the buttercup family. It is one of the larger genera within this family, with species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The Sri Lankan species is one of several Clematis representatives documented on the island.

Question 6

What does Clematis gouriana look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a woody climbing vine with pinnately compound leaves and small, creamy-white flowers borne in panicles. After flowering, the plant produces achene fruits with persistent feathery styles that help seeds disperse on the wind. The stems are ribbed and twine around supporting vegetation as the plant climbs.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Clematis gouriana?

Accepted Answer

The plant is referred to as Wel Penela in some Sinhala sources, though vernacular names can vary between regions and practitioners. As with many medicinal plants, local naming conventions are not always standardised across the island. Consulting a local herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner is the most reliable way to confirm regional usage.