TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Aristolochia watsonii, Watson's Dutchman's Pipe, Southwestern Pipevine, Indian Root

Aristolochia watsonii

Watson's Dutchman's Pipe, Southwestern Pipevine, Indian Root
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Origin: Mexico
Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantVine or creeper plantFull sunModerate waterUnusual colorPoisonous or toxicEthnomedical plant.
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It is pollinated by Ceratopogonid flies; these are the small, blood-sucking flies that pester humans and other mammals in the humid summer. The flowers of Aristolochia watsonii resemble a mouse's ear-translucent funnels with fur and veins-and give off a musty odor. The fly apparently expects to find a blood meal, and instead is trapped inside the flower tube overnight. During the night the flower releases pollen. The following morning the flower releases the pollen-covered fly. If the fly visits another flower it effects pollination.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/aristolochia_watsonii.htm