Aristolochia

/ˌærɪstəˈloʊkiə/ noun

Definition

A genus of climbing plants with curved, pipe-shaped flowers, native to tropical and temperate regions, historically used in traditional medicine.

Etymology

From Greek aristos (best) and locheia (childbirth), as these plants were once used to aid childbirth. The name reflects the historical medicinal use attributed to these plants.

Kelly Says

The name literally means 'best for childbirth,' which shows how much people in ancient times believed in this plant's powers—but modern medicine discovered many aristolochia species are actually toxic!

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