Aristolochia vulgaris rotunda, commonly known as Round-Leaved Birthwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it is characterized by its rounded, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive flowers.
The leaves of Aristolochia vulgaris rotunda are medium to dark green, smooth and glossy, and measure about 5-10 centimeters in diameter. They grow alternate on the stems and have rounded bases, which give rise to its specific epithet "rotunda." The leaves are deciduous in colder climates and can reemerge from underground rhizomes in spring.
The flowers of this plant are trumpet-shaped and reddish-brown in color, with a unique pattern resembling a birth canal or a pipe. They have no petals but consist of three sepals that overlap and form a hollow tube. This peculiar structure serves as a trap for insects, luring them inside and ensuring pollination.
Aristolochia vulgaris rotunda is known for its usage in traditional medicine. Its dried leaves and stems contain various chemical compounds with potential medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antimicrobial effects. It has historically been used to treat digestive disorders, skin diseases, and respiratory ailments. However, it is important to note that the plant contains toxic substances called aristolochic acids, which can cause nephrotoxicity and carcinogenic effects when consumed in large amounts or over a prolonged period.
In recent years, the plant has mainly been studied for its potential in drug discovery and ecological restoration due to its unique biochemistry and ability to attract rare insect species.
