Dutchman's Pipe

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Dutchman's Pipe

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Passiflora caloneura
• Howardia trifida
• Aristolochia trifida
• Howardia trilobata
• Aristolochia appendiculata
• Aristolochia caracasana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Aristolochia trilobata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Piperales. Finally, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae within the genus Aristolochia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across parts of North and Central America. In Mexico, it can specifically be found throughout the southeastern region of the country. Its range extends southward into Central America, where it is documented in Belize. The species is also present in the countries of Honduras and Nicaragua. Finally, its natural habitat reaches as far south as Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aristolochia trilobata is characterized by its presence in diverse environmental settings, ranging from anthropogenic areas to more preserved natural ecosystems. It is commonly found inhabiting coastal restingas, gallery forests, coastal forests, and floodplain forests (floresta de várzea). In terms of altitudinal distribution, the species is primarily a lowland plant, with a mean elevation of 0 m AMSL and a minimum elevation of 0 m AMSL. However, its ecological range extends upward into higher terrains, reaching a maximum elevation of 1000 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Várzea, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Aristolochia trilobata is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived perennial, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases, establishing a stable presence within its ecological niche. Its development involves a continuous life cycle that avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead focusing on the accumulation of resources over several years to support its structural complexity and reproductive success. This perennial nature ensures that the plant can withstand environmental fluctuations and maintain its population through sustained growth and recurring flowering periods.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Aristolochia trilobata is characterized by a growth habit that is primarily terrestrial, though it can inhabit semiaquatic environments. It functions as a climbing vine, specifically acting as an obligatory climber to ascend its surroundings. As a terrestrial plant, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, nor does it function as a parasite, remaining an independent organism. Furthermore, its structural composition is non-woody, which defines its flexible and herbaceous climbing nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

vine

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aristolochia trilobata 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 ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Aristolochia trilobata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aristolochic acids, LIMONENE, Linalool, P-CYMENE, Sulcatyl acetate.

Aristolochic acids

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

LIMONENE

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Linalool

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

P-CYMENE

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Sulcatyl acetate

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Activities

Aristolochia trilobata has 2 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Carcinogenic, Nephrotoxic.

Carcinogenic

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

Nephrotoxic

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

Preparations

Aristolochia trilobata has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Essential Oil, essential oil.

Essential oil

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Essential oil

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)