Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Aristolochia macrophylla Lam.

Hardy deciduous climber with heart to kidney-shaped leaves, the flowers tubular, yellowish-green outside and purplish-brown at the mouth, in summer.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This tree, being a native of North-America, is perfectly hardy, and will grow to a very great height if properly supported; but, as a climber, is not able to support itself.  The large cordate leaves, which are of a fine dark green, make a very handsome appearance.’  [BM t.534/1801 as A. sipho].  Introduced to Britain in 1763.  [PD].

History at Camden Park

It is recorded in a handwritten note in an 1850 catalogue in the Mitchell Library collection.  [MP A2947A].  It had previously been marked with a ‘c’, denoting grown at Camden, in an 1836 Loddiges’ Nursery catalogue held in the Camden Park archives.  This suggests that it was actually grown in the gardens well before 1850.  [CPA].

Notes

Published Feb 03, 2009 - 03:41 PM | Last updated Jul 14, 2010 - 02:43 PM

The image depicts large, heart-shaped leaves and purple-brown pipe-like flowers.

Aristolochia macrophylla Lam. | BM t.534/1801 | BHL

Family Aristolochiaceae
Category
Region of origin

North America

Synonyms
  • Aristolochia sipho L’Hér.
  • Aristolochia durior Hill
Common Name

Dutchman?s Pipe

Name in the Camden Park Record

Aristolochia sipho 

Confidence level high