Aristolochia

Birthwort Snakeroot Duckflower Pipevine Dutchman’s Pipe

The eerie, bat-like flowers of aristolochias have a disgusting perfume which attracts the carrion-feeding insects that pollinate them.

Aristolochia tricaudata, from Mexico, was recommended for cultivation as it lacks the offensive smell. Its blackish-purple, pale-throated flowers have three drooping appendages which can reach 10 cm long, giving them their name – tri = three, caudata = tailed.

Did you know?
Aristolochia have been used for curing snakebites, malaria and impotence, as well as inducing childbirth but its use is highly dangerous

Aristolochia actually means “excellent birth”.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Avocado