Aristolochia (aristolokia)

[L., IMG:content-1121.png:[graphic] Dutchman's-Pipe (Aristolochia Sipho). some way the insects which visit them. The relative position of the anthers and stigmas prevents fertilization without the agency of insects, and self-fertilization even by their aid is, at least in some cases, made impo ible by proterogyny. The flowers are usually of a dingy hue. A. Goldieana, of Calabar, has the largest that are yet known, the blade of which is nearly 2 feet in breadth. In A. Clem at it is insects bringing pollen to the early ma tured stigma are imprisoned by impeding hairs which wither after the fresh pollen is shed. This and some other European species had formerly a reputation as emmenagogues and as facilitating parturition. Various species have had a popular reputation as remedies for snake-bites, as anthelmintics, etc., and the Virginia snakeroot, or serpent ary-root, A. Serpent aria, is employed as a stimulating tonic and diaphoretic. The pipe-vine, or Dutchman's-pipe, A. Sipho, a native of the Alleghanies, with very large cordate leaves, is cultivated as an ornamental climber.