CLEMATIS, VIRGIN'S-BOWER: A genus of the polygynia order, belonging to the polyanthiaclass of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 26th order, Multiflora. There is no calyx; the petals are four, rarely five; the seeds have a train. There are twelve species; all of which, except two, are shrubby climbing plants, very hardy, and adorned with quadrupetalous flowers of red, blue, purple, white, and greenish colours. They are very easily propagated by layers or cuttings. The vitis alba, one of the species, is very acrid to the taste, and without any smell. It is frequently used as a caustic, and for cleansing old ulcers. The root is said to be purgative. The leaves of all the species bruised and applied to the skin, burn it into carbuncles as in the plague; and if applied to the nostrils in a sultry day immediately after being cropped, will cause the same uneasy sensation as a flame applied to that part would occasion. Hence the title of flammula, or "little flame," by which this genus of plants was formerly distinguished.