Dutchman's Pipe Aristolochia gigantea
ABOUT
Aristolochia gigantea, also known as Brazilian Dutchman's Pipe or Giant Pelican Flower, is celebrated for its distinctive and ornate flowers. The blossoms are unusually large and showcase an intricate structure with a mottled pattern of maroon, brown, and cream, resembling the colors of a ripe banana or a decadent piece of chocolate marble cake. The flowers exude an earthy, meat-like aroma which serves to attract pollinating insects. The shape of the flowers is quite elaborate, with a swollen base that tapers to a flaring mouth, resembling the outstretched pouch of a pelican or a convoluted pipe that twists and expands into a showy display. This shape, along with the coloration, provides a beguiling mimicry of decaying organic material, which certain insects find irresistible. The foliage of the Giant Pelican Flower is a lush green, with heart-shaped leaves that envelop the stems in a dense canopy of verdant hues. This creates a tropical backdrop that highlights the dramatic flowers when they make their seasonal appearance. The texture of the leaves is smooth, and they often have a glossy finish that reflects sunlight, giving the whole plant a vibrant, well-nourished look. The contrast between the luxurious green leaves and the striking appearance of the flowers is one of the defining visual characteristics of the Brazilian Dutchman's Pipe. Although I'm restricted from mentioning specific dimensions, it is worth noting that the Brazilian Dutchman's Pipe has a robust and vigorous growth habit which contributes to its grand show in the appropriate conditions. It is not uncommon for the plant to produce multiple flowers simultaneously, adding to the plant's overall exotic allure. This species is a climber, and it can drape itself over structures, or climb with the support of trellises or other plants, adding vertical interest to gardens and landscapes where it is cultivated.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Brazilian Dutchman’s Pipe, Giant Pelican Flower
Common names
Aristolochia gigas, Howardia gigantea, Isotrema giganteum.
ToxicityTo humans
The Dutchman's pipe is known to be toxic to humans due to the presence of aristolochic acids, which are compounds that can cause severe kidney damage and potentially cancer with chronic exposure. If ingested, the plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and kidney dysfunction. Consumption can result in acute renal failure and, with long-term exposure, may lead to urothelial cancer. The aristolochic acids can also cause mutagenicity and are thus considered carcinogens.
To pets
Dutchman's pipe is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the aristolochic acids it contains. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure to the plant's toxins can lead to severe kidney damage and even increase the risk of cancer. It is important to ensure that pets do not have access to this plant, as it can be harmful to their health.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
10 feet [3 meters]
Spread
10 feet [3 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aristolochia gigantea, commonly known as the Dutchman's pipe, is often grown for its unusual and ornate flowers.
- Ecological Habitat: Provides food and habitat for butterfly larvae, especially the Pipevine Swallowtail.
- Educational Interest: Can be used to educate about plant-animal interactions, such as pollination and coevolution.
- Growth Habit: A vigorous vine that can cover structures and create shaded areas, which can be beneficial in landscaping.
- Diverse Growth Conditions: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can often thrive with minimal care once established.
Medical Properties
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Display: Dutchman’s pipe is often cultivated for its striking, large, and unusual flowers that can serve as an eye-catching ornamental feature in gardens and conservatories.
- Educational Tool: Botany students and researchers use Dutchman’s pipe as a subject for studying unique floral structures and pollination mechanisms.
- Larval Host Plant: The plant serves as a food source for the larvae of the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, playing a role in the lifecycle of this species.
- Shade Provider: With its broad leaves and vining habit, Dutchman’s pipe can be grown to provide shade over pergolas, patios, or along fences.
- Theatrical Props: Due to its large and unusual flowers, Dutchman’s pipe can be used as a natural prop in theatrical productions or photo shoots that require a dramatic botanical element.
- Horticultural Training: The plant is used in horticulture programs to instruct on the care and propagation of unique tropical species.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in rows or as a dense thicket, Dutchman’s pipe can work as an effective visual screen for privacy in residential gardens.
- Landscape Design: The vine can be incorporated into landscape designs that focus on exotic or tropical themes.
- Ecological Studies: Dutchman’s pipe can be studied for its role in the ecosystem, particularly its interactions with pollinators and specific insect species.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Dutchman’s pipe as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other art forms due to its intriguing flower morphology.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dutchman's Pipe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dutchman's Pipe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery - Aristolochia gigantea, commonly known as Dutchman's pipe, has unusual and complex flowers that can symbolize the unknown or mysterious aspects of nature.
- Protection - The pipe-like shape of its flowers has been associated with a shelter, offering protection from the elements and predators, symbolizing safety and refuge.
- Healing - Historically, some species of Aristolochia have been used in traditional medicine, and as such, the plant can symbolize healing and the remedial powers of nature.
- Deception - The intricate flower structure of Dutchman's pipe often tricks insects into aiding their pollination process, hence the plant can be a symbol for trickery or deception in nature.
WaterDutchman's Pipe should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become slightly dry between waterings. In general, watering once per week is adequate, but frequency may need to increase during hot, dry spells or if the plant is in a container. When watering, provide enough water to soak the soil to a depth of approximately 6-8 inches, which might equal approximately 1-2 gallons depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases, and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightDutchman's Pipe thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions, with dappled sunlight being ideal. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or where sunlight is filtered through a canopy of light foliage. Direct, harsh afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureDutchman's Pipe grows best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, but it can tolerate a minimum of around 50°F and a maximum of about 90°F. It is sensitive to frost and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below the minimum threshold. The ideal growing condition is a consistently warm and humid environment.
PruningPruning Dutchman's Pipe is mainly done to shape the plant, control its size, and remove any dead or damaged growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its desired form, cutting back to just above a leaf node. Pruning can be carried out annually to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation throughout the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDutchman's pipe (Aristolochia gigantea) thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral (6.1 to 7.0). The best soil mix consists of a combination of peat, pine bark, and either perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regular organic matter additions will benefit its growth.
RepottingDutchman's pipe should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot. Upgrading to a slightly larger pot each time encourages healthy root development without excessive space that can lead to waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingDutchman's pipe prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%. Maintaining a humid environment supports its lush foliage and growth habits, especially when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Aristolochia gigantea, commonly known as the Brazilian Dutchman's pipe, begins with seed germination, which requires warmth and a well-draining soil medium. Following germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants with characteristic heart-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a robust, twining vine that seeks support to climb on surrounding structures or plants. The Brazilian Dutchman's pipe then produces its distinctive, large, and ornately patterned flowers, which attract pollinating insects through their unique shape and scent. After successful pollination, the plant forms seed capsules that mature, eventually drying and releasing seeds to propagate the next generation. The vine may enter a period of dormancy during cool weather and resume vigorous growth with the return of warmer temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Dutchman's pipe, known botanically as Aristolochia gigantea, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method is quite simple and effective. Typically, cuttings are taken during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering stem is chosen and cut into segments about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. Each cutting should have at least a couple of leaves or leaf nodes. The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings need to be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have established, which can take several weeks.
