seeds of Aristolochia contorta, Northern Pipevine

Aristolochia contorta, also known as the northern pipevine, is climbing plant species of the family Aristolochiaceae. The plant’s synonym is Aristolochia nipponica. Another common name for the plant is birthwort. This perennial plant has its origins in the Japan, Eastern China and Korea. Aristolochia contorta has smooth stems that grow to a height of 100 to 150 cm. The stem has able support on long thick rhizomes. Leaves are whitish-green, ovate/heart-shaped and have a length of 4 to 10 cm and a width of 3.5 to 8 cm. Flowers are tube-shaped and are either purple or green. The plant’s fruits are globe-shaped and have six holes on their surface within which one can find several seeds. The plant has both male and female flowers whose pollination is, more often than not, effected by flies. Korean medicinal practices rely on the fruits and roots of the plant to provide a remedy for several conditions. Such conditions include haemorrhoids, hypertension, abdominal inflation, and asthma. The plant’s leaves are edible, and one can cook them as one would a vegetable. Aristolochia contorta contains carcinogenic substances, and one would be wise not to ingest the plant without first consulting a doctor. Aristolochia contorta grows well either in both semi-shade and direct sunlight. The plant mostly grows on the edges of fields and mountains. Nevertheless, it is very rare to find the plant growing near the forest edge. Young plants have a dark purple colour that changes over time to green or whitish-green in some instances. Ideal soils have good drainage, are rich in hummus or organic matter and are moist. The plant’s seeds take between 1 and 3 months to germinate with the best place to do so in being a greenhouse. The pH of the soils should ideally be slightly basic, slightly acidic or neutral.