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Aristolochia pentandra: Marsh's Dutchman's Pipe

Aristolochia pentandra, commonly known as Marsh's Dutchman's Pipe, is a perennial herbaceous vine belonging to the genus Aristolochia.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aristolochia pentandra Jacq.
• Family: Aristolochiaceae
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Aristolochia marshii Standl. (Note: some sources may consider these distinct species)
• Other Common Names: Pipevine, Dutchman's Pipe

Considerations for Pets

• Members of the genus Aristolochia are generally referred to as "birthwort" which may indicate some traditional uses.
• The plant is a vine.

Considerations for Children

• Members of the genus Aristolochia are generally referred to as "birthwort" which may indicate some traditional uses.
• The plant is a vine.

Distribution and Habitat

• Aristolochia pentandra is native to extreme southern mainland Florida and the Florida Keys.
• It is found in hammocks and keys.

Ecological Role

• In Florida, Aristolochia pentandra is the native host plant for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor).
• The plant is considered endangered in the state of Florida.

Morphological Characteristics

• Aristolochia pentandra is described as a vine forb/herb.
• Other species within the genus, such as Aristolochia marshii, are described as lianas, twining to 5 meters, and herbaceous with smooth, glabrous young stems.
• The leaves of other *Aristolochia* species, such as the Large-leaved Dutchman's pipe, are big and heart-shaped.

Quirky Facts

• The Kuna people of Panama refer to Aristolochia pfeiferi as "dubsangid."
• Abram P. Garber first collected Marsh's Dutchman's-pipe in 1877 in Miami, presumably in Brickell Hammock.

Further Information

• USF Herbarium (for specimen details)
• PLANTS Database (USDA, NRCS)
• Flora of North America (FNA)
• Dave's Garden
• Garden Guides
• Wikispecies