Pistolochia (Aristolochia pistolochia, Sp. Pl.: 962 (1753))

Family: Aristolochiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 962 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aristolochia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Europe, Morocco

Description

Pistolochia, scientifically known as Aristolochia pistolochia, is a captivating plant species belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

Native to southwestern Europe and Morocco, Pistolochia thrives in these regions’ diverse climatic conditions. Its presence in these areas signifies its adaptability and versatility in various environmental settings. This plant exemplifies the resilience and evolutionary sophistication of the genus Aristolochia.

Aristolochia pistolochia is distinguished by its unique morphological characteristics, which contribute to its common name. The plant typically exhibits a complex and fascinating floral structure, which not only adds to its ornamental value but also plays a critical role in its pollination strategy. This intricate design is often geared towards attracting specific pollinators, thus ensuring the continuation of its lineage.

The Aristolochiaceae family, where Pistolochia finds its classification, is known for its intriguing members, many of which feature unusual and exotic blooms. This family comprises a variety of species, each with distinct features yet sharing common traits that contribute to their identification and classification.

In addition to its ornamental appeal, Pistolochia has been the subject of various botanical studies, focusing on its ecological roles and potential uses. Its adaptability to different environments and unique biological interactions make it a valuable subject for research, providing insights into biodiversity and plant-pollinator relationships.

Overall, Pistolochia stands out as a notable example within the Aristolochiaceae family, not only for its distinctive appearance and ecological importance but also for its contribution to the broader understanding of plant diversity and adaptation in the regions it inhabits. Whether admired for its beauty or studied for its scientific significance, Aristolochia pistolochia remains a plant of enduring interest and importance.

Common Names

En: Pistolochia
Ca: Pistolòquia
Fr: Aristoloche pistoloche, Pistoloche
It: Aristolochia pistolochia
Es: Aristoloquia menor, Aristoloquia tenue, Enredadera, Pistolochia

Synonyms

• Pistolochia latifolia (Raf.)
• Aristolochia fasciculata (Lam.)
• Aristolochia polyrrhiza (Bubani)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Berta Semar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Berta Semar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Hernández Linares José Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Hernández Linares José Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Berta Semar (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 5, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Lisa Giovannoli (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 25, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by Eric Rebsamen (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7444649)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:93233-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aristolochia pistolochia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5