Aristolochia arborea

Small, thin, rainforest tree of Central America with corky bark. Flowers appear mostly in clusters near the base of the tree with occasional solitary or paired flowers in the axils higher up. Flower resembles a small capped mushroom in the genus Marasmius and possibly pollinated by mushroom gnats. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings.

Aristolochia fimbriata

Aristolochia fimbriata is an excellent hanging basket plant. Each rounded leaf is medium green, highlighted with dramatic silver veining.

Aristolochia fimbriata like to grow in a light and airy place, but not in direct sunlight. Water regularly during the growth period, once or twice a week. Water no more than once a week during winter. In winter, the stems retreat back to the base. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil.

Aristolochia gigantea

The Aristolochia gigantea will inspire a sense of marvel to anyone who gazes upon it. This truly spectacular blossom produces a pouch that in some cultivars is almost 2 feet long and more than a foot across. Ivory veins network across a burgundy velvet background as the flower unfurls. Heart-shaped, light green leaves, about 6 inches in length, adorn this easy-to-grow vine. The plant blooms at a young age and grows in full sun or partial shade.

In some sources, Aristolochia gigantea is considered as Aristolochia grandiflora var. Hookeri. The cultivation of Aristolochias is undemanding. Sun lovers that appreciate some shade in hotter inland areas, they adapt to any soil that drains well. Any pruning necessary to contain or shape the plants should be done in late winter or early spring. Cultivation is easy, and growth can be tamed. Papery capsule containing many seeds.

A. gigantea var. Brasiliensis has even larger lemon-scented flowers and exhibits an elaborate pattern of white and mottled reddish brown. Since it is not a vigorous vine, it can easily be trained on a stake, trellis or even a hanging basket. A most interesting fly catching, carnivorous plant.

Aristolochia gigantea var. Brasiliensis

Variety Brasiliensis is an exceptional cultivar of A. gigantea. It has even larger flowers that are lemon-scented and exhibits an elaborate pattern of white and mottled reddish brown. Since it is not a vigorous vine, it can easily be trained on a stake, trellis or even a hanging basket. One of the most interesting fly catching, carnivorous plant.

It is important not to confuse "Brasilensis" cultivar of A. gigantea with Aristolochia brasilensis - a synonym of A. labiata.

Aristolochia gilbertii

Distinctive yet unusual, this great vine produces pipe-like flowers netted purple and brown it's leaves are light green and heart shaped.

This is a perennial vine in Zone 10. It can be grown well in Zone 9 with some protection during frost and light freezes.

Aristolochia gilbertii is similar to Aristolochia ringens.

Aristolochia grandiflora, Aristolochia gigas

This creeper produces a gargantuan flower that is more beautiful than Aristolochia gigantea (in some sources, Aristolochia gigantea is considered as Aristolochia grandiflora var. Hookeri). The solitary blooms have heart-shaped faces about a foot long and 8 inches wide. Rich purple blotches and veins cover the creamy white face of the flower. At the center of the blossom, a livid purple bull's-eye leads to an inflated pouch. As added adornment, a foot-long, slender tail hangs from the flower. There is a malodorous aspect to the bloom; however, it dissipates after the first 24 hours. Papery capsule containing many seeds.

Aristolochia labiata, Aristolochia brasiliensis

Vigorous climbing vine, tropical to subtropical.

Aristolochia labiata flower has somewhat similar shape to Aristolochia ringens but has much bigger calyx which is dingy-yellow with purple veins. Tube of the flower is inflated, with 2-lipped limb; the upper lip is narrow, up to 4" long, and the lower lip expanded into a reniform lobe 4" long and 7" across. Leaves are large, up to 8" across.

It is important not to confuse Aristolochia brasilensis, a synonym of Aristolochia labiata, with "Brasilensis" cultivar of Aristolochia gigantea.

Aristolochia leuconeura

Unusual aristolochia species with deep veined leaves 5-6 wide and bigger. They are leathery and glossy, look almost like aroid leaves. Small flowers are unusual shape too. It is said that the plant is cold hardy to mid-20-s F.

Aristolochia littoralis, Aristolochia elegans

It is also reported as native to Argentina in Cordoba, Entre Rios, and Misiones, Bolivia, Columbia, Loja, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru. Fairly cold-tolerant vine with unusual blooms, butterfly larval plant. The name is derived from the Greek aristos, meaning best, and lochia, meaning delivery, because it was valued in child birthing and the resemblance of the shape of the flower as a human fetus in the womb. Slender woody climber, leaves triangular-reniform, to 3 inches long, flowers solitary, calyx tube inflated, to 1.5 inches long, yellow-green, limb nearly orbicular, entire, to 3 inches across, white veined with purple outside, rich purple-brown marked with white inside. This ornamental vine is cultivated in Hawaii and other tropical areas for its colorful and unique pipe shaped flowers that are usually pollinated by flies which are attracted to the carrion-like odor and to the purple and brown color of the flowers . It is a vigorous grower and is usually planted for shade, screening, and for unusual flowers. The vines are heavy and require strong support. It is also reported to have medicinal qualities. A. littoralis is known to spread from initial plantings in several places where it is cultivated, including Hawaii, Florida, South Africa, and other Pacific Islands.

Aristolochia macrophylla, Aristolochia durior

Primarily grown for foliage: dark green, heart shaped leaves (6 to 10 inches); ordinary, well-drained soil; requires a strong trellis; withstands urban pollution; rarely bothered by insects or diseases; creates a dense shade.