Aristolochia

Aristolochia is a large plant genus of perhaps 500 species. Some species are known as birthwort in allusion to a past use as medicine for childbirth. An alternative name is pipevine or Dutchman’s pipe which alludes to the flower shape. The genus is widespread across both the New and Old world and it is found in both hemispheres. There is a fascinating range of species from tiny trailing plants to massive tropical climbers and the genus is found in a huge range of the most diverse climatic zones and habitats. With so many species and so many different cultural requirements, we have limited ourselves to just a few, hardy or almost hardy species which can be easily grown in the UK either in the garden or with a minimum of intervention to prevent (for example) too much winter wet or freezing temperatures.

They are evergreen or deciduous woody vines and herbaceous perennials, usually with twining stems. The intricate and often highly coloured, rather bizarre flowers have a specialised pollination mechanism. Their strong scent or the provision of copious nectar attracts different insects according to the species. The inner floral tube is covered with hairs which initially act as a fly-trap. These later wither, releasing the fly, covered with pollen.

Aristolochia clematitis was regarded as a medicinal plant in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and plays a role in traditional Chinese medicine. However Aristolochia is not a medicine, it is a cancer-inducing poison containing Aristolochic acid which is both a potent carcinogen and a kidney toxin. Traditional herbal remedies containing Aristolochia are lethal. All Aristolochia are toxic, none are safe or medicinal. Don’t be frightened, just don’t eat your Aristolochia.

Available for ordering from our Spring list only.