Aristolochia trilobata

Aristolochia trilobata, commonly known as contribo[citation needed] or Bejuco de Santiago,[2] is a perennial herb in the Dutchman's pipe family Aristolochiaceae. A.trilobata is endemic to the Caribbean and is found in both Central America and South America.[1]

Aristolochia trilobata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Piperales
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Genus: Aristolochia
Species:
A. trilobata
Binomial name
Aristolochia trilobata

Description

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Aristolochia trilobata is a climbing vine species that typically reaches a length of up to three meters. The leaves are characterized by dark green coloration and have three lobes. The bark is coarse, readily sheds, and emits a distinctive, potent odor.[citation needed]

In traditional folk medicine, the whole plant is used to create a tea or an extract. It is recommended to consume the tea in moderation (once a week) to prevent other health complications. Teas and extracts are known to increase immune health, increase appetite/energy, and fight fatigue.[citation needed] It has been commonly used to treat conditions such as flu, gastritis, parasites, fevers, constipation, stomach ache, and indigestion.[3]

Habitat

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Aristolochia trilobata is a tropical plant native to the Caribbean. Its populations extend from Mexico to Brazil and grows best in a wet, tropical climate.[4]

 
Geographic range of Aristolochia trilobata throughout the Caribbean (IUCN)

Conservation

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Some herbalists in Belize claim that it is harder to find an abundance of A. trilobata due to habitat destruction.[citation needed]

However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) most recently (December 2020) assessed the status of A. trilobata as "Least Concern (LC)".[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bárrios, S.; Copeland, A. (2021). "Aristolochia trilobata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T170643357A192146840. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T170643357A192146840.en. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Aristolochia trilobata". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. ITIS. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  3. ^ Balick, Michael J. (1996). "Transforming Ethnobotany for the New Millennium". Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. 83 (1): 63. doi:10.2307/2399968. JSTOR 2399968. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Aristolochia trilobata L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 18 April 2024.