TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA
Aristolochia watsonii
Watson's Dutchman's Pipe, Southwestern Pipevine, Indian RootFamily: Aristolochiaceae
Origin: Mexico
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.
Similar plants:
- Aristolochia arborea (Aristolochia Tree)
- Aristolochia fimbriata (Fringed Aristolochia, Fringed Dutchman's Pipe)
- Aristolochia gigantea (Calico Flower, Giant Pelican Flower)
- Aristolochia gigantea var. Brasiliensis (Giant Calico Flower, Giant Pelican Flower)
- Aristolochia gilbertii (Dutchman's Pipe)
- Aristolochia grandiflora, Aristolochia gigas (Calico Flower, Pelican Flower)
- Aristolochia labiata, Aristolochia brasiliensis (Mottled Dutchman's Pipe, Roster Flower)
- Aristolochia leuconeura (Pipe Flower)
- Aristolochia littoralis, Aristolochia elegans (Elegant Dutchmans Pipe, Calico Flower)
- Aristolochia macrophylla, Aristolochia durior (Dutchman's Pipe)
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/aristolochia_watsonii.htm