Dutchman’s Pipe Vine

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.