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Aristolochia grandiflora Sw.
| Family Name: | Aristolochiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Aristolochia gigas, Aristolochia pichinchensis |
| Common Name: | Pelican Flower |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Jamaica, southern Mexico to Panama |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herbaceous climber that grows more than 10 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Heart-shaped leaves are smooth or have a downy texture. |
| Flowers | Large, trumpet-shaped flower is white with dark brownish purple splotches (10-20 cm wide). This species produces one of the largest flowers in the New World. The flowers last 2 days, acting like a female flower on the first day and a male flower on the second day. On the first day, it opens at dawn and produces a foul smell to attract flies and hornets. The flowers have hairs that point downwards which trap the insects in its pouch, ensuring that the insects provide pollen to the stigma or female part. On the second day, pollen is produced and the trapped insects are coated in pollen as they try to escape. The plant hairs that prevented their escape wither, and the pollen-bearing insects are released, so they can pollinate other flowers. |
| Habitat | Found in tropical forests, thickets and near streams. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'grandiflora' means large flower. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
| Flowering Opening Time | Daytime |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days (2) |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
| Flowering Opening Time Remarks | Opens at dawn |
| Flower Size | 15 cm |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31403 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5800 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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