Common Name:

General Information

Aristolochia fontanesii is a herbaceous perennial plant.
A popular medicinal herb in Algeria, where the plant is commonly harvested from the wild for medicinal use.

Known Hazards

The plant contains aristolochic acid, which has a range of positive medicinal activities. However, there are also potential harmful activities when it is taken internally. When used in large doses or even in small doses over a prolonged period, it can be particularly dangerous for the kidneys, causing irreversible damage, haematuria (blood in the urine) and limb paralysis [, , , , ].
Many species are used medicinally, taken both internally and externally, but some countries, including China, have banned them from internal use[]

Botanical References

Range

N. Africa - Algeria

Habitat

Clayey and limy grassland and fields, on steep slopes, on dunes and coastal rocks; at elevations up to 215 metres.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade, also succeeding in ordinary garden soil[, ].
Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers, often smelling like decaying flesh[]. They are pollinated by the small flies that are attracted to the flowers by these foetid odours and by the purple-brown colour of the flowers. The flies enter the flower when the stigmas are receptive and then become trapped in the hairy throat of the flower until after the anthers dehisce, thus ensuring pollination[, , ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are diuretic. They are used in the treatment of intestinal pain and cutaneous diseases. They are also used to make acataplasm against snake bites[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Division in autumn[].
Root cuttings in winter[].