Aristolochia Foetida

Aristolochia foetida is an unusual tropical pipevine with slender twining stems, soft heart-shaped leaves and curious curved flowers in greenish yellow, brown and purple. The blooms produce a strong scent that attracts small flies, temporarily holding them inside the floral tube so that pollination can take place before they are released. Fast growing in warmth, it can be trained around a conservatory support or summer trellis. The plant has real botanical fascination, but every part is toxic and it should be handled carefully and kept well away from edible crops, children and pets.