Aristolochia tuberosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Aristolochia cinnabarina

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Piperales and the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic classification places it within the genus Aristolochia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Aristolochia tuberosa, exhibits a specific distribution across several Asian regions. It can be found growing within the South-Central parts of China. Additionally, its range extends into the Southeast regions of China. The species is also documented throughout the Indo-China territory. Specifically, its presence is noted within the country of Vietnam.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Aristolochia tuberosa is characterized by its specific altitudinal distribution within its natural habitat. This species thrives across a diverse vertical gradient, ranging from low-lying areas starting at a minimum elevation of 150 m AMSL to higher montane environments reaching a maximum elevation of 1600 m AMSL. On average, the plant is most frequently encountered at a mean elevation of 875 m AMSL, suggesting a preference for mid-altitude ecological zones that likely offer a balance of specific temperature and moisture regimes necessary for its growth and survival.

Elevational range max:

1600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

875 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

150 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Aristolochia tuberosa is characterized by its herbaceous growth habit, being classified as non-woody in nature. The plant typically presents as a climbing or trailing perennial herb, often utilizing twining mechanisms to navigate through surrounding vegetation. Its stems are relatively slender and flexible, lacking significant lignification, which aligns with its non-woody classification. The foliage consists of simple, often cordate or ovate leaves with entire margins and smooth surfaces, emerging from nodes along the succulent or semi-succulent stems. The reproductive structures are distinctive, featuring zygomorphic flowers that are often tubular or pipe-shaped, typical of the Aristolochiaceae family, and are usually arranged in a way that facilitates specialized pollination syndromes. The root system often includes tuberous or thickened structures that aid in nutrient storage, supporting its perennial life cycle despite its lack of woody tissue.

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Aristolochia tuberosa involves the development of specialized fruit structures that are critical to its life cycle. The plant produces characteristic fruits that exhibit a highly consistent morphology in terms of size. Based on botanical measurements, the fruit length is uniform across observed specimens, with a minimum length of 3 cm, a mean length of 3 cm, and a maximum length of 3 cm. This lack of variance in fruit length suggests a stable reproductive output within its ecological niche, ensuring that the seeds are contained within a predictable vessel size as they mature and eventually facilitate dispersal.

Fruit length max:

3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Aristolochia tuberosa has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, stem.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Stem

1. Hua xi yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of West China University of Medical Sciences = Huaxi yike daxue xuebao

Chemicals

Aristolochia tuberosa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aristolochic acid.

Aristolochic acid

1. Hua xi yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of West China University of Medical Sciences = Huaxi yike daxue xuebao

Preparations

Aristolochia tuberosa has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include callus, methanolic extracts of fresh roots, young stems.

Callus

1. Hua xi yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of West China University of Medical Sciences = Huaxi yike daxue xuebao

Methanolic extracts of fresh roots

1. Phytochemistry

Young stems

1. Hua xi yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of West China University of Medical Sciences = Huaxi yike daxue xuebao