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Deciduous climber
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Birthwort is an unusual climbing plant found on pillars and trees
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TROPICAL FLORA Birthwort is also Dutchman's pipe and Calco flower
Evergreen and deciduous perennial climber from the moist tropical regions, Aristolochia-Birthwort belongs to family Aristolochiaceae, and place of origin is Brazil. It takes its name from the Greek Aristos-best and lochia — birth, from its medical use in childbirth. It is also known as Dutchman's pipe and Calco flower.
A vigorous climber it has broad heart-shaped leaves, which are dark green above and lighter beneath and measure up to 10-20 cm long.
Flowers are purple-somewhat liver brown 12-15 cm, have a curved perianth tube at the back with an inflated base, like the bowl of a pipe and a curved upper lip. Aristolochia brasilienses flowers are mottled with dark lines.
Birthwort is an unusual and useful climbing plant on trellis, pillars and trees. It flowers from winter till summer. Sometimes the climber dries up and new growths sprout from the roots after the rains.
Grow them in fertile, loam less compost in bright filtered light. Water freely and apply liquid fertilizer monthly. Prune back hard after flowering to keep under control. Propagation is by root cuttings.
CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN
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