Aristolochia rotunda

Aristolochia rotunda, also known as the Round-leaved Birthwort, is a species of flowering plant in the Aristolochiaceae family. It is native to Europe and North Africa, and is known for its distinctive round leaves and unusual flowers.

Description

The Aristolochia rotunda is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall. Its leaves are round or kidney-shaped, hence the name "rotunda", which means round in Latin. The flowers are solitary, tubular, and curved, with a characteristic purplish-brown color. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Aristolochia rotunda is found in a wide range of habitats, from open woodlands to grasslands. It is native to the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It prefers well-drained soils and can be found in both full sun and partial shade.

Uses

Historically, Aristolochia rotunda was used in traditional medicine due to its supposed healing properties. However, it contains aristolochic acid, a toxic compound that can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage and cancer. Therefore, its use in medicine is now strongly discouraged.

Conservation

While Aristolochia rotunda is not currently considered endangered, its habitat is under threat from urban development, agriculture, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its natural habitat and preventing overharvesting for medicinal use.

See Also

• Aristolochia
• Aristolochiaceae
• Aristolochic acid