Aristolochia watsonii
Watson's Dutchman's Pipe
Oʼodham[Unknown]
Description
Aristolochia watsonii is an annual vine that sprouts from am underground tap root. It grows in lightly shaded areas of sandy deserts, uplands, and riparian areas, at 2000 to 4000 feet elevation. In spring and late summer, it can be found twining around other vegetation for support. The leaves are green and brown, long, narrow, and arrow-shaped. Flowers are inconspicuous and have a large opening resembling a pipe. These form fruit that are elongated, round capsules with 4 lengthwise running ribs. The species contains the toxin aristolochic acid and is toxic. However, it is eaten by the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor). The caterpillars eat both the leaves and fruit.
