Duck

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Duck
• Calico-flower
• Dutchman's Pipe
• Elegant Dutchman's Pipe
• Elegant Dutchman's-pipe

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aristolochia elegans var. hassleriana
• Aristolochia hassleriana
• Aristolochia elegans

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, it is situated in the family Aristolochiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Aristolochia, specifically as the species Aristolochia littoralis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West Tropical Africa, its presence can be noted within the borders of Gambia. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, the species is documented in Burundi and the Central African Republic. It also extends its reach to the islands located within the Gulf of Guinea. Finally, the distribution continues into Northeast Tropical Africa, specifically within the country of Chad.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aristolochia littoralis is characterized by its adaptation to diverse altitudinal gradients and specific environmental settings. This species exhibits a broad vertical distribution, occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum altitude of 2150 m AMSL. Within this range, its primary habitat is identified as the Cerrado (latu sensu), where it integrates into the complex structural and biological dynamics of this tropical savanna ecosystem.

Elevational range max:

2150 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Genetics

The genetics of Aristolochia littoralis are characterized by specific chromosomal configurations that play a vital role in its evolutionary biology and reproductive mechanisms. Based on cytogenetic studies, the plant exhibits variation in its chromosome number, specifically documented with values of 14 and 16. This numerical variation suggests potential mechanisms of polyploidy or chromosomal rearrangements within the species, which can influence genetic diversity, phenotypic expression, and adaptation to diverse ecological niches. Such chromosomal fluctuations are significant in understanding the genome structure and the lineage evolution of this species within the Aristolochiaceae family.

Chromosome number :

14, 16

Life history

The life history of Aristolochia littoralis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and maintain a stable presence within its ecological niche. As a phanerophyte, the plant maintains its regenerative buds well above the ground level, a structural adaptation that facilitates its survival and growth patterns. Specifically, its classification as a phanerophyte reflects a life strategy focused on long-term establishment, utilizing its perennial nature to endure environmental fluctuations while ensuring its meristematic tissues are protected above the substrate.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aristolochia littoralis is characterized by a non-woody growth form, functioning primarily as an herbaceous vine or liana. As an obligatory climber, it utilizes surrounding structures for support to reach a plant height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 3 meters. This species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, existing neither as an aquatic nor a semiaquatic plant, nor as an epiphyte. Furthermore, it maintains an independent life cycle, functioning as a non-parasitic organism.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Aristolochia littoralis is characterized by distinct morphological parameters that define its vegetative structure and photosynthetic capacity. The leaf development of this species follows a specific dimensional range, where the leaf length typically fluctuates between a minimum of 7 cm and a maximum of 9 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width exhibits a variable breadth, ranging from a minimum of 6 cm to a maximum of 10 cm. These dimensions reflect the plant's adaptive capacity for light interception and surface area optimization, facilitating essential metabolic processes within its foliage.

Leaf length max:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

10 cm

Leaf width min:

6 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aristolochia littoralis is characterized by the development of specialized fruit structures and specific dispersal mechanisms. The plant produces fruit classified as a capsule, which is a dehiscent type, meaning it splits open at maturity to release its contents. These capsules can reach a maximum length of 4.5 cm. Within these fruits, the seeds are quite small and uniform in weight, with a recorded mean, minimum, and maximum seed mass of 0.0021 g. The seeds themselves possess a maximum length of 6 mm. Following the release from the capsule, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind to transport the seeds away from the parent plant to new locations.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Fruit length max:

4.5 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Seed length max:

6 mm

Seed mass mean:

0.0021 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aristolochia littoralis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Aristolochia littoralis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aristogin C, Flavonoids, Tannins.

Aristogin C

1. Journal of natural products

Flavonoids

1. Frontiers in nutrition

Tannins

1. Frontiers in nutrition

Conditions

Aristolochia littoralis has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea

1. Frontiers in nutrition

Preparations

Aristolochia littoralis has 3 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts, leaves, plant extracts.

Extracts

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Leaves

1. Journal of natural products

Plant extracts

1. Frontiers in nutrition