Aristolochiaceae
Aristolochia L.
Kingdom: Plantae Rank: Genus Parent: Aristolochiaceae Status: Valid
Common Names:
- Birthwort - English, Peru
Vegetative Morphology
Habit: Lianas, bark often soft, corky.
Leaves: Leaves often cordate.
Reproductive Morphology
Fruit: Fruit a septicidal capsule with six valves opening longitudinally, to 15 cm long, brown when mature, only rarely remaining united to form a basket-like structure.
Infructescence: Infructescence axillary. Pedicel splitting as fruit opens.
Seeds: Numerous winged seeds per fruit.
Other
Uses: Speceis of this genus are used medicinally as diaphoretics, vasodilators, oxytocics, and externally to treat snakebites.
Distribution: Southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Peru and Bolivia, also in Asia and Africa.