Aristolochia molissima
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Genus
- Aristolochia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.1 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.
We have no specific details for this species but most members of this genus have poisonous roots and stems[5]. 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[8]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[7]. 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[4].
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.
The flowers are diuretic[7]. The whole plant is anodyne, antiphlogistic and carminative[3][7]. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatoid aches and pains[3]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, which is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[7].
- Product or use
- Anodyne
- Product or use
- Antiphlogistic
- Product or use
- Carminative
- Product or use
- Cytotoxic
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China
- Habitat
- Uplands and bamboo thickets[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
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[6]. 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[6]. Root cuttings in winter[6].
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[1][2][6]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[2]. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies[6].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre 1977-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148