Puawhananga (Clematis paniculata)
Last Modified: 20-1-2022 19:40
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Puawānanga (also Puawhananga depending on dialect) (Clematis paniculata) is a climbing, woody vine endemic to New Zealand, found from coastal to montane regions throughout the country in shrubland and forest. Flowering is from winter to spring, with the distinctive large, white flowers distinguishing it from other native and introduced species of Clematis.
According to Māori tradition, puawānanga was the child of stars Puanga and Rehuga, representing winter and summer respectively, with puawānanga representing the transition between them (spring). The bark, stem, and leaves had a variety of traditional medicinal uses. The flowers were also used for decorative purposes.
The flowers are attractive to bees and produce a quality honey.
This example was observed in beech forest at the Red Hills in Marlborough.
Image Date: 1/11/2021
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.761639 Longitude: 172.967896