Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Aristolochia littoralis

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Kingdom
  
Scientific name
  
Aristolochia littoralis

Rank
  
Species

Order
  
Genus
  
Aristolochia

Higher classification
  
Aristolochia

Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochiaelegans800ajpg

Similar
  
Aristolochia, Aristolochiaceae, Aristolochia gigantea, Aristolochia grandiflora, Aristolochia ringens

Aristolochia littoralis calico flower elegant dutchman s pipe


Aristolochia littoralis (calico flower, elegant Dutchman's pipe) is a species of evergreen deciduous vine belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family.

Contents

Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia elegans

Aristolochia littoralis


Etymology

Aristolochia littoralis FileAristolochia littoralis the Calico Flower 9768759193jpg

The scientific name Aristolochia was developed from Ancient Greek aristos (άριστος) "best" + locheia (λοχεία), "childbirth" or "childbed", as in ancient times the plant was thought to be effective against infections caused by childbirth. The species Latin name littoralis means “coastal”.

Description

Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia littoralis syn elegans Han Keat Lim Flickr

Aristolochia littoralis is a climbing vine that can reach about 3–4.5 metres (9.8–14.8 ft) in length. The slender stems are woody and the leaves are bright green, cordate, amplexicaul, 7–9 centimetres (2.8–3.5 in) long and 5–10 centimetres (2.0–3.9 in) wide, forming a dense attractive foliage. Flowers are heart-shaped, greenish yellow with intricate purplish-brown markings. These unusual flowers are about 7–8 centimetres (2.8–3.1 in) long, grow solitary in the leaf axils and resemble a Sherlock Holme's pipe (hence the common name of "Dutchman's pipe"). The inner surface of the flared mouth is completely purplish-brown. The flowering period extends through all Summer. These plants are pollinated by flies which are attracted by the unpleasant carrion-like odor produced by the flowers. The numerous winged seeds are borne in dry dehiscent capsules that split like small parachutes. As the seeds are winged they are easily dispersed by wind. Plants in the related genus Pararistolochia differ by having fleshy moist fruit that do not split. This plant contains aristolochic acid, a toxic alkaloid.

Distribution

The vining plant is native to southernand western South America. It is found in:

Aristolochia littoralis httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

  • Brazil in Ceara, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Rondonia, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo states.
  • Argentina in Corrientes, Entre Rios, Jujuy, Misiones, and Santa Fe Provinces.
  • Paraguay in Amambay, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Paraguari, and San Pedro Departments.
  • Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

  • Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochiaceae Calico Flower

    It is an invasive species in Australia and in the southern United States. In Australia it is fatal to the caterpillars of two butterflies, the Cairns birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion) and of the threatened Richmond birdwing (O. richmondia), and threatens to displace their proper host plant, A. tagala.

    Habitat

    Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia elegans Elegant Dutchmans

    A. littoralis prefers acid-neutral soils (pH 5.5 – 7.0) and average moisture, in part sun to shade, at an elevation of about 0–1,150 metres (0–3,773 ft)

    Cultivation

    Aristolochia littoralis FileAristolochia littoralis calico flower descflower from

    This subtropical plant requires a minimum temperature of 7 °C, and in temperate regions is grown under glass. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

    Aristolochia littoralis Aristolochia littoralis DParodi Checklist View

    References

    Aristolochia littoralis Wikipedia