Aristolochia ringens Vahl, commonly called Gaping Dutchman’s Pipe, Pelican Flower or pipe vine, is a tropical creeper native to South America. Gaping Dutchman’s Pipe vines can reach heights up to 6 meters and has been reportetd as an invasive species in Sri Lanka. The impressive flowers reach a length up to 25 cm and can be smelly. In South America roots of Aristolochia plants are used as a snake repellent and to cure other illnesses. As Aristolochia plants contain Aristolochic acid, which is a potent carcinogen and kidney toxin, scientist are warning against the use in natural medicine. Nevertheless Gaping Dutchman’s Pipe flowers are real eye catchers
and an enrichment for tropical gardens.

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Image: Dutchman’s Pipe Aristolochia ringens

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