Clematis dioica is a climbing plant native to Mexico and extending into parts of South America. It thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, where it often grows as a vigorous vine clambering over trees and shrubs. This species is dioecious, meaning individual plants produce either male or female flowers, an uncommon trait among flowering vines. The flowers are typically small, white to greenish, and bloom in loose clusters, later giving rise to highly ornamental seed heads. One of the most distinctive features of Clematis dioica is its fruiting stage, when each seed develops a long, silky, feather-like style that persists, forming large, feathery clusters. These structures are designed for wind dispersal, allowing seeds to travel considerable distances. The feathery seed heads give the plant a striking appearance long after flowering, making it recognizable even outside its blooming season. In its native range, the vine can reach lengths of over 30 feet, creating dense tangles in the canopy. Photographed in Cerro de la Vieja, Colombia.