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Plants

Aristolochia macrophylla

Pipevine

a member of the Aristolochia genus in the family Aristolochiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Growth rate
vigorous
Height
7 m
Fertility
Flies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Flies

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have no specific details for this species but most members of this genus have poisonous roots and stems[4]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[9]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[6]. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant contains the antiseptic and antitumor compound aristolochic acid[7]. A decoction of the root has been used externally to treat 'swelling of feet and legs'[10]. A compound infusion of stalk chips has been used in the treatment of 'yellowish urine'[10].

Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Antitumor

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
Eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Minnesota, Georgia, Tennessee and Kansas.
Habitat
Moist, rich woodlands[5][8]. Forests, often on dissected uplands and rugged, rocky slopes; Cumberland and Blue Ridge mountains at elevations of 50 - 1300 metres[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[2]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[2]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[5]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn[5]. Root cuttings in winter[5].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[1][5], but succeeds in ordinary garden soil[2]. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[5]. A fast-growing climbing plant, attaching itself by means of twining around other plants, it has been recommended for covering pergolas[5]. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩

  4. Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre 1977-00-00

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  6. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩

  7. Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225

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  8. Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970-00-00 ISBN 0-486-22642-5

    ↩

  9. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

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  10. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2

  11. Flora of N. America http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/

    ↩

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