Aristolochia elegans
Dutchman’s Pipe DESCRIPTION
Fast-growing vigorous climbing vine with slender twining stems that eventually become woody. Alternate glossy green heart-shaped leaves 3-8cm long by 3-10cm wide with glacous (bluish-green) paler lower surface. Leaves are toxic to the larvae of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Petioles 1.55cm long.
FLOWERS AND FRUIT
Reddish-purple solitary flowers to 10cm wide, marked with white and yellow, can be found during summer. Drooping stems or peduncles up to 7cm long. Flowers are shaped like a traditional Dutchman’s pipe, hence its name. Ribbed capsules 5-8cm long split open to release numerous brown seeds 6-7mm long.
HABITAT AND RANGE
Coastal areas from northern New South Wales to the wet tropics in a wide variety of plant communities. A native of South America.
Vines and Creepers
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