Image - Wikimedia / Daniel Capilla
If you live or have been visiting the fields of Spain or Africa, it is likely that you have seen an herb with some curious flowers called technically Aristolochia baetica, and popularly as lamps.
It is a really decorative evergreen climber that does not need much care and also has medicinal uses. Do we know it?
Origin and characteristics
View of the plant in habitat. // Image - Wikimedia / liesvanrompaey
Our protagonist is a perennial climbing herb native to the scrublands and undergrowth of Spain, especially Andalusia and part of the Levant, and Morocco. Develops stems 60cm to 4m long, from which simple, petiolate and alternate leaves sprout with an ovate-triangular blade, whole and leathery.
The flowers, which appear from October to May, are solitary, measure 2 to 8 cm, are hermaphroditic and have an »S» shape. The fruit is a 2 to 7cm capsule, with shells that separate when ripe.
Medical uses
The roots were used and can be used medicinally, as they are febrifuges and emmenagogues. But yes, it is very important to consult a doctor first, since in high doses it can be abortive, as well as irritating when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes.
What are their cares?
Image - Wikimedia / Daniel Capilla
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: grows in bright areas, but generally protected from direct sun.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 20% perlite.
- Garden: it is not demanding, but if it has good drainage, better.
- Irrigation: about 3 or 4 times a week in summer, and every 4 or 5 days the rest of the year.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Subscriber: from the beginning of spring to the end of summer it can be paid with ecological fertilizers.
- Pruning- Stems can be trimmed in late winter if necessary.
- Rusticity: withstands light frosts down to -4ºC.
What did you think of Aristolochia baetica? Did you know her?