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{{SPlantbox
|genus=Aristolochia
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Aristolochia (named for supposed medicinal virtues). Aristolochiaceae. BirthWort. Perennial herbs or shrubs, many climbing, remarkable for the very odd- shaped flowers, some species grown in the open, but most of them cultivated as odd glasshouse subjects.
The corolla is wanting, but the calyx is corolla-like, tubular, mostly variously bent, and commonly tumid above the ovary and contracted at the mouth, superior; stamens commonly 6, short and adnate to the style, which is fleshy and lobed: fr. a naked 6-valved caps. ; seeds flat. — About 180 species of warm and temperate regions throughout the earth; mostly woody twiners. Many species are evergreen. The tender species are cult, for the strikingly irregular and grotesque fls. The fls. are usually fetid in odor, often very disagreeable. Many species are grown in botanic gardens and in the collections of fanciers, but those usually cult, or planted are to be found in the treatment which follows.
These plants are mostly climbing vines, A. macrophylla being perhaps the best known vine for shade purposes. It is vigorous and of rapid growth, and has never been known to be attacked by fungoid or insect enemies. For covering outbuildings quickly it has no equal, owing to the heavy growth of foliage and its adaptability to any situation. The flowers are peculiar in shape, giving rise to the popular name, Dutchman's pipe. These are inconspicuous, however, compared with the tropical species of this genus. In contrast with the foregoing, A. grandiflora var. Sturtevantii has gigantic flowers with a tail sometimes 3 feet long. This species must be cultivated under glass and is most suitable for large structures as the odor when in bloom beggars description, it being such that flies have been known to be deceived, thinking its origin was due to putridity. There are other fine species for indoor culture as A. brasiliensis and A. Goldieana. These are best propagated from cuttings taken from well-matured wood in early spring or at pruning time. A rich soil is desirable and preference is given to planting the roots in a border or bed that they may be trained up rafters or pillars of warmhouses. Pot culture does not give good results. Another very pretty species is A. elegans. This is not odorous, can easily be procured from seeds, which are freely produced under cultivation. It will bloom the first year under glass, and may be cut back to give light to other plants in winter. The outdoor A. macrophylla (often known as A. Sipho) produces good seed; this seems to be the only way to increase it as hardwood cuttings do not root readily. (E. O. Orpet.)
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{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
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Many species of Aristolochia are food for larvae of [[Swallowtail]] [[butterflies]].
Many species of Aristolochia are food for larvae of [[Swallowtail]] [[butterflies]].
Some reference books state that the Latin name ''Aristolochia'' was developed from [[Greek language|Greek]] [[etymon]]s meaning ''aristos'', "best", and ''locheia'', "childbirth" or "childbed".
Some reference books state that the Latin name ''Aristolochia'' was developed from [[Greek language|Greek]] [[etymon]]s meaning ''aristos'', "best", and ''locheia'', "childbirth" or "childbed".
== Species ==
== Species ==
