Aristolochiaceae

views updated Jun 11 2018

Aristolochiaceae (birthworts) A family of climbers and a few herbs in which the flowers are usually zygomorphic and often foetid. They have a calyx that is often enlarged and highly coloured, no corolla, 6 to many stamens, and the ovary inferior and 4–6 locular (see LOCULE). The capsule contains many small seeds. The roots are often medicinal. Aristolochia is Dutchman's pipe. There are 7 genera, with about 410 species, of warm temperate to tropical distribution.

birthwort

views updated May 21 2018

birthwort See ARISTOLOCHIACEAE.