Aristolochia paucinervis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aristolochia longa var. pseudorotunda
• Aristolochia longa subsp. paucinervis
• Aristolochia rotunda subsp. longa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, falling into the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Aristolochia as the species Aristolochia paucinervis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated around the Mediterranean region. It can be found across several areas of Southwestern Europe, including Spain and Portugal. Within this European range, the species also inhabits France and the Balearic Islands. Beyond the European continent, its presence extends into Northern Africa, specifically within Algeria. Consequently, its habitat spans both coastal European territories and parts of the North African coastline.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aristolochia paucinervis is characterized by its distribution within low-lying terrestrial habitats, specifically occupying an elevational range that begins at 0 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 100 m AMSL. This narrow altitudinal niche suggests that the species is adapted to lowland environments, likely thriving in specific moisture or soil conditions found near sea level. Its presence within this specific vertical bracket indicates a preference for the unique climatic and environmental parameters typical of coastal or low-altitude tropical ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

100 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Aristolochia paucinervis is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions biologically as a geophyte, maintaining its survival through underground structures that protect it during unfavorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, its classification as a cryptophyte indicates that its regenerative buds are located below the soil surface, ensuring its continued development and resilience within its ecological niche.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aristolochia paucinervis is characterized by its herbaceous growth habit, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 0.9 m. The plant features slender, climbing or scrambling stems that allow it to navigate through surrounding vegetation. The leaves are generally arranged in an opposite or sub-opposite pattern, often presenting an asymmetric or cordate base, which is a distinguishing feature of the genus. The floral structure is complex, consisting of specialized, tube-like perianths designed for specific insect pollination, often exhibiting mottled or intricate patterns. The reproductive organs are enclosed within these specialized structures, contributing to the plant's unique architectural complexity.

Plant height max:

0.9 m

Plant height min:

0.2 m

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of Aristolochia paucinervis are closely tied to its specific foliar morphology, which dictates its photosynthetic surface area and resource acquisition strategies. The plant exhibits a distinct leaf form characterized as ovate, a shape that optimizes light interception within its specific ecological niche. The dimensions of these leaves vary significantly, with a minimum leaf length of 0.3 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 0.85 cm, while the width fluctuates between a minimum of 0.2 cm and a maximum of 0.6 cm. This compact leaf architecture suggests a highly specialized physiological adaptation to manage transpiration and gas exchange within its microhabitat, utilizing its specific width-to-length ratios to maintain metabolic efficiency.

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf length max:

0.85 cm

Leaf length min:

0.3 cm

Leaf width max:

0.6 cm

Leaf width min:

0.2 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aristolochia paucinervis is characterized by a specific flowering and fruiting cycle. The flowering period typically commences in February and extends through June, though the timing can be variable. The flowers are relatively small, measuring between 0.3 cm and 0.6 cm in length. Following pollination, the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule. These capsules are quite small, with a length ranging from a minimum of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 0.25 cm, and they are characterized by a brown coloration. Furthermore, the fruit is dehiscence, meaning it opens at maturity to release its seeds.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Flower length max:

0.6 cm

Flower length min:

0.3 cm

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Jun

Fruit colour :

brown

Fruit length max:

0.25 cm

Fruit length min:

0.1 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aristolochia paucinervis has 3 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, leaf, root.

Rhizome

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Root

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Chemicals

Aristolochia paucinervis has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Saponins, Sterols, Terpenes.

Anthraquinones

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Flavonoids

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Saponins

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Sterols

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Terpenes

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

polyphenols

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Activities

Aristolochia paucinervis has 1 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidermatophytic.

Antidermatophytic

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Aristolochia paucinervis has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Helicobacter pylori, cancer, gas gangrene, intestinal diseases, tinea.

Helicobacter pylori

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cancer

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Gas gangrene

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Intestinal diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tinea

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Aristolochia paucinervis has 2 reported preparations identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extract of A. paucinervis roots, rhizomes decoction.

Methanolic extract of a. paucinervis roots

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM

Rhizomes decoction

1. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM