Aristolochiaceae FAMILY

Aristolochia acuminata

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

This species containes aristolochic acid, which is known to have toxic side effects in larger doses. Acute toxic manifestations are tachycardia, increased respiratory rate, ataxia, sedation and marked vasodilation. Short-term chronic toxic effects include hepatotoxicity, marked renal damage and mild hematologic dyscracias^[1].

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Climber

Growth—

Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich, loamy soil and a position in full sun or partial shade^[2]. The flowers of many species in this genus form an intricate trap for pollinating insects. The insects are tempted to an area of the flower where they are unable to grip and they slide down into the utricle - downward pointing hairs prevent them climbing out^[2]. The trap helps to ensure the fertilization of the flowers and the insects are eventually released^[2].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 48 hours in warm water and surface sow Germinates best at a temperature of 25 - 30°c^[2]. Softwood cuttings^[2]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-19. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Aristolochia+acuminata>

Pollinators

Flies

References

[1]Philippine Medicinal Plants — http://www.stuartxchange.org/CompleteList.html ↩︎A lovely site, giving brief details on the medicinal uses of several hundred (over 400 at the last count) plants in the Philippines, plus a picture of each plant.
[2]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[3]Medicinal Plants in Vietnam — Nguyen Van Dan & Doan Thi Nhu · World Health Organisation · 1989 · ISBN 92 9061 101 4 ↩︎An excellent book, giving information on over 200 plants, their medicinal compounds and applications.
[4]Flora Malesiana Series 1 — Various · Nationaal Herbarium Nederiand, Universiteit Leiden branch · http://www.archive.org ↩︎A massive treatment of the plants of the Malaysian Archipelago. Much of it has been made available to download from the Internet
[5]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.