Aristolochiaceae in Europe

[aristoflora]

Aristolochias are the food plants for some European butterflies, e.g. Zerynthia spp. Some species of Aristolochia from New Guinea have even been named after the species of butterfly feeding on them.

That's interesting - which species are these? I don't know any ... as far as I know the Neu Guinean Aristolochia have been placed in the genus Pararistolochia. This was a result of the structure of the flowers being an evolutionary precursor of those of 'real' Aristolochia species.

[Darren]

I would like to collect them as I find them fascinating! Sadly I only have sempervirens.

I got my sempervirens from Tynings Climbers here in the UK.

I have not tried cuttings yet. I got some seed last year, and it germinated and produced short root radicles, but rotted before developing further. Maybe you will have more luck

To update this. The pod rotted before maturing so I have just taken some cuttings. They have produced loads of new growth and I thought this meant they had rooted, but apparently not so will have to wait a bit longer!

[Tony Willis]

Aristolochia hirta which I still grow

Aristolochia cilicia (possibly) which I have lost

[aristoflora]

Aristolochia clusii is flowering at the moment!


and A. bianorii is improving fast, too: