Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia sempervirens
ABOUT
Aristolochia sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe, is a climbing plant admired for its unique and ornate flowers, whose shape resembles a traditional Meerschaum pipe. The blooms showcase a captivating color combination, typically presenting with a deep purple or burgundy throat and a yellowish or cream-colored mouth. They emit a peculiar scent, which plays a role in attracting pollinating insects. The foliage of Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe is equally attractive, consisting of shiny, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that remain throughout the year, contributing to the 'evergreen' aspect of its name. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, creating a dense mat of greenery that can cover the surface it climbs on. Twining stems help this plant attach to supports, allowing it to ascend and drape over structures. Through its climbing habit, it creates a lush display that can be used to cover arbors, trellises, or fences, or even to grow along the ground as dense ground cover if not given vertical support. The overall visual effect of Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe is that of an exotic and intriguing plant with a blend of striking flowers and ever-present foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Aristolochiaceae
Synonyms
Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe, Hardy Dutchman's Pipe
Common names
Aristolochia longa, Aristolochia rotunda, Aristolochia clematitis
ToxicityTo humans
Dutchman's pipe, a plant known scientifically as Aristolochia sempervirens, is recognized for its toxicity to humans. The plant contains a group of compounds called aristolochic acids, which are considered carcinogenic and nephrotoxic. Ingestion of any part of Dutchman's pipe can lead to aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), a condition characterized by renal failure. Other symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure to aristolochic acids also significantly increases the risk of certain cancers, particularly urothelial cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid consuming any part of Dutchman's pipe due to its toxic properties and the severe health risks it poses.
To pets
Dutchman's pipe is also toxic to pets. The presence of aristolochic acids in the plant can result in similar symptoms and conditions as observed in humans when ingested by pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it could lead to acute renal failure. Long-term exposure or significant ingestion can cause severe and potentially fatal health issues. It is essential to keep Dutchman's pipe out of reach of pets and seek immediate veterinary care if accidental ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: It has distinctive, evergreen foliage and unusual flowers, adding an aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: The evergreen creeper requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: It is capable of surviving periods of water scarcity, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments.
- Growth Habit: Its climbing nature allows it to cover fences, trellises, and walls, providing a natural green screen for privacy or decoration.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as butterflies, adding to the biodiversity of a garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Aristolochia sempervirens has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antimicrobial: Extracts of the plant may possess antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Analgesic: It has been used to alleviate pain in some traditional medicinal practices.
- Antirheumatic: The plant has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatic conditions.
- Diuretic: Aristolochia sempervirens has been reported to have diuretic effects, which can increase the secretion and flow of urine.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aristolochia sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe, can be used in landscape design for its ornamental value, featuring heart-shaped leaves and peculiar pipe-shaped flowers.
- The plant is used as a natural pest control agent in gardens since it is unappealing to many herbivores due to its toxic nature.
- The evergreen nature of Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe makes it suitable for creating privacy screens or green walls that are functional throughout the year.
- Its climbing habit allows it to be used for covering unsightly structures like fences, walls, or trellises, providing an aesthetic green cover.
- The plant can be grown in hanging baskets where its unusual flowers can be displayed at an elevated level for a better view.
- Gardeners might use Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe as a companion plant to attract pollinators like certain butterflies, which use it as a host plant for their larvae.
- Due to its rapid growth, it is sometimes used in rehabilitation of areas that require quick vegetation cover to prevent soil erosion.
- In theatrical productions or event decoration, the distinctive flowers of the Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe can serve as authentic props for creating a tropical or exotic ambiance.
- The dried seed pods of the plant can be used in crafting activities, for example, painted and turned into decorative items.
- It serves as a perfect subject for botanical illustration and photography due to its unique floral structure and interesting foliage.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Evergreen Dutchman's pipe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Evergreen Dutchman's pipe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Aristolochia sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe, is often associated with protective properties due to its dense foliage and the shelter it provides to animals.
- Healing: Historically, the plant has been used in traditional medicine, which lends it a symbolic meaning of healing and curative powers.
- Transformation: The unique shape of its flowers, resembling a pipe, symbolizes transformation and change, reflecting the plant's role in the lifecycle of the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly for which it is a host plant.
WaterThe Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe should be watered regularly but without excess, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This typically means watering approximately once a week, but this frequency may need to be adjusted depending on temperature and humidity. It’s better to use lukewarm water and apply it directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves. A good rule of thumb for an established plant is about 1 gallon every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, less so during the dormant period in winter.
LightEvergreen Dutchman's Pipe thrives best in partial shade. It should be placed in a location that receives several hours of indirect sunlight each day, avoiding the intense midday sun which can scorch the leaves. A spot with dappled sunlight, like under a canopy of trees or an overhang, is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureEvergreen Dutchman's Pipe prefers temperatures that range from about 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive short periods of colder temperatures, but it should be protected from frost. The ideal temperature conditions are moderate, as extreme heat can also be detrimental.
PruningPruning the Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe is important to maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and control its size. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged growth, and trim back as necessary to keep the plant within its space or desired form. Pruning can be carried out annually or as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilEvergreen Dutchman's pipe thrives in well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 6.1 to 7.8. A mix consisting of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and peat or compost well suits this plant, providing good drainage and fertility.
RepottingEvergreen Dutchman's pipe should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot in spring just before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingEvergreen Dutchman's pipe prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim for around 40-60% humidity for optimal growth, avoiding environments that are too dry or excessively humid.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Evergreen Dutchman's pipe in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to full sun, in rich, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aristolochia sempervirens, commonly known as Evergreen Birthwort, begins with seed germination which requires a warm, moist environment. Upon germination, a seedling develops, establishing roots and a shoot system. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, where it focuses on growing leaves and stems, forming a climbing or sprawling habit aided by its twining petioles. Reproduction occurs when the plant reaches maturity and develops distinctive, pipe-shaped flowers that are pollinated by insects, particularly flies attracted by the flower's appearance and scent. Following pollination, the plant produces seed capsules, which when ripe, open to disperse seeds for propagation. After seed dispersal, the plant continues to grow and can live for many years, repeating the flowering and seeding cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Aristolochia sempervirens, also known as Evergreen Dutchman's Pipe, can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the late summer, when the plant's growth begins to slow down as it prepares for the dormant season. To propagate from cuttings, a healthy mature stem is chosen and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (roughly 10 to 15 centimeters) is made. This cutting should include at least a couple of nodes, as this is where the roots will sprout from. The leaves from the lower half of the stem are removed to prevent excess moisture loss and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix or a propagating medium and kept moist under indirect light. With proper care, the cutting should root in a few weeks, after which it can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually transplanted to its permanent location.
