Native Dutchman’s pipe
Aristolochia acuminata, Fam. Aristolochiaceae
Vigorous climber, 10-20m tall, which twines over available support. Synonym Aristolochia tagala.
Weed Category: | |
Weed: | No |
Form or habit: | Vine (Climbing, Twining or groundcover) |
Family: | Aristolochiaceae |
Leaf: | Elongated heart shape, leathery, dull green, 10-30 x 8-12cm. |
Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Flower colour: |
Brown, Purple |
Flower description: | Dark brown or purple, tubular, 4-6cm long, in short racemes on new growth. Flowering throughout the year. |
Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
Fruit colour: |
Brown |
Fruit: | |
Fruit description: | Brown, ribbed, egg shaped capsule, about 3cm long, splitting at the top to resemble an inverted parachute. |
Habitat: | Rainforest. |
Distribution | Queensland, Western Australia, New Guinea, Malesia |
Food source for: | Food plant for the Cairns birdwing, red bodied swallowtail and big greasy butterflies. |
Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
Origin: | Australia, New Guinea, Malesia |
Notes: | A vigorous climber preferring semi-shade and regular watering. Propagate from seed or cuttings. |
Information sources: | Atlas of Living Australia (2022) Aristolochia acuminata Lam., Townsend K. & the Society for Growing Australian Plant Townsville Branch Inc. (1994) Across the Top: Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. |