Clematis brachiata aka Traveler's Joy

Clematis brachiata is a climber in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is native to much of Africa, including Madagascar. Kew records it from Senegal, and from Cameroon to Ethiopia and South Africa. It grows in tropical regions with a dry season. In the wild, it grows in open woods and dense shrubs. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This shrubby climber is deciduous: it sheds its leaves each year. Its stems reach about 10 feet [3 metres] long. Field photos show them scrambling through nearby plants. The account gives no separate figure for its spread. Its flowers are large and have a scent. Photos show flowers near Pretoria in autumn. These do not show when it blooms across its whole range. Other photos show red, feathery seedheads among nearby plants.

In gardens, it needs soil that drains well but holds moisture. Shade suits the root area best. The upper growth needs access to sun. Nearby plants can shade the base without shading the whole plant. The source says rabbits tend to leave it alone. It also reports less growth in nearby plants. Legumes suffer most, a point to weigh when choosing nearby plants. The evidence gives no hardiness rating or record of a specific disease.

Growers can raise new plants from seed, cuttings, or layers. The account favours sowing seed soon after it ripens. It says to sow stored seed soon after getting it. First, soak seed in warm water for 12 hours. Remove as much of the tail and outer coat as possible. At 20°C, seeds may sprout in one to nine months, or longer. Take soft to semi-ripe internodal cuttings in late spring. These are stem cuttings cut between the nodes. Growers can layer older stems in late winter or early spring. They can layer new growth in early summer.

People grow this species for its looks. They also gather wild plants for use in traditional medicine. Records note the use of leaves for skin complaints. That does not show that this treatment works or is safe. The source lists no known food use. It also lists no known hazards. Yet this does not prove the plant is safe to eat.