Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman’s pipevine)

A luxuriant and tropical-looking vine, Aristolochia macrophylla (Dutchman’s pipevine), envelops a large section of the Pergola that surrounds the Aquatic Garden. The common name comes from the appearance of its intriguing flowers, which were thought to resemble a fanciful tobacco pipe.

Its huge, heart-shaped leaves, which can reach up to a foot across, are an important food source for caterpillars of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly—look for evidence of their feeding in the next few weeks. In this second shot, you can see the Wild Garden just beyond.

The work of Wave Hill’s former Ruth Rea Howell Senior Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day, this post dates back five years to May 19, 2016. Charlie’s writing has a perennial quality.