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Aristolochiaceae
Calico Flower
Aristolochia elegans
Intricate complexity.
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Genus
- Aristolochia
- Native to
- Brazil, South America
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- perennial vine
- Height
- 10-20 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 9-11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The calico flower traps visiting flies inside its pipe-shaped bloom until pollination is complete, then releases them.
- Its intricate maroon and white pattern on the petal resembles calico fabric, inspiring the common name.
- The flower emits a rotting-flesh scent to attract its fly pollinators, though humans can barely detect it.
- Pipevine swallowtail butterflies use Aristolochia species as larval host plants, absorbing toxic compounds for defense.
- Despite being in the birthwort family, calico flower contains aristolochic acid, now known to be a potent carcinogen.
Color meanings
0
mystery
1
fascination