Aristolochia clematitis

Aristolochia clematifis, commonly known as birthwort, is a perennial climbing plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. Historically utilized in folk medicine for various ailments, its use has drastically declined due to the presence of toxic aristolochic acids, which pose severe risks to human kidney and cellular health.

  • Scientific name: Aristolochia clematitis
  • Family: Aristolochiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, placing it in the family Aristolochiaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Aristolochia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Piperales WCVP
Family Aristolochiaceae WCVP
Genus Aristolochia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by various names across different languages, is a significant species in botanical literature. In Portuguese, it is referred to as Aristolóquia, while in Polish, it is called Kokornak powojnikoowy. In French, the species is identified as Aristoloche clématite, and in Russian, it is known as кирказон ломонносoвидный. Furthermore, in Serbian (Cyrillic), it is commonly called Vučja jabuka.
Language Common Name Source
pt Aristolóquia Wikidata
pl Kokornak powojnikowy Wikidata
fr Aristoloche clématite Wikidata
ru кирказон ломоносовидный Wikidata
sr-el Vučja jabuka Wikidata
sr-ec Вучја јабука Wikidata
ro mărul lupului Wikidata
ca aristolòquia sarmentosa Wikidata
hu közönséges farkasalma Wikidata
fi herttapiippuruoho Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is recorded in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It can also be found inhabiting parts of Great Britain within the same northern climatic zone. Furthermore, its range extends into Middle Europe, specifically within the borders of Austria. Together, these locations highlight the plant's preference for temperate European habitats.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP

Chemicals

Aristolochia clematitis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aristolochic acid.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
aristolochic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Aristolochia clematitis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Balkan Endemic Nephropathy, Staphylococcus aureus.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Balkan Endemic Nephropathy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆