Looking more closely at Clematis drummondii

A closer look at the strands of Clematis drummondii

Continuing with yesterday’s look at the strands of Clematis drummondii, here’s a closer view, one taken from a position that produces less sheen, so you can see that each strand has a reddish core partially covered with many very fine hairs. It’s the hairs that glint when the sunlight hits them at certain angles. Each strand emerges from one of the plant’s seeds, which grow in a cluster around the flower stem. You can see half a dozen seeds, still green at this stage, near the bottom of the photograph.

© 2011 Steven Schwartzman

(Visit the USDA website for more information about Clematis drummondii, including a clickable map showing where the species grows.)