Aristolochia fontanesii
Aristolochia fontanesii, commonly known as Fontane's birthwort, is a perennial herb native to East Asia. Characterized by its unique heart-shaped leaves and tubular flowers, this plant holds historical significance in traditional medicine. However, its use is strictly cautioned due to the presence of potent, nephrotoxic aristolochic acids.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia fontanesii
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae. It is specifically identified by 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 scientifically as Aristolochia fontanesii, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is identified as 阿尔及利亚马兜铃, with specific regional variations including 阿尔及利亚马兜铃 for zh-cn and zh-hans, as well as 阿爾及利亞馬兜鈴 for zh-tw. Interestingly, in Spanish, it is associated with the name Aristolochia rotundas.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 阿尔及利亚马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 阿尔及利亚马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 阿爾及利亞馬兜鈴 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 阿尔及利亚马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| es | Aristolochia rotunda | Wikidata |
| zh | 方氏马兜鈴 | Wikidata |
| zh | 长根马兜铃 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Aristolochia fontanesii, possesses a very specific and restricted natural range. Its geographical distribution is limited to the northern part of the African continent. Specifically, this medicinal species can be found growing within the borders of Algeria. Because it is confined to this particular region, it is considered an endemic element of the local flora. Understanding this localized habitat is essential for the conservation and study of the species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aristolochia fontanesii, possesses a specialized underground structure essential for its growth and survival. The plant utilizes robust rhizomes to facilitate vegetative spread and store nutrients within the soil. Connected to these rhizomes are the roots, which anchor the plant firmly and absorb the necessary moisture and minerals from its environment to support its medicinal properties.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aristolochia fontanesii has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiangiogenic, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Nephrotoxic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiangiogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephrotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aristolochia fontanesii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |