Aristolochia or Kirkazon is the central genus in the Aristolochia family. Nearly 500 species of herbaceous perennials and lianas grow mainly in tropical zones of the globe. Some representatives of the genus settled in temperate zones, including Russia.
The root system of these plants is superficial. The maximum depth to which the roots reach is about half a meter. More often they go only 5-10 cm deep. The thin, cord-like shoots gradually become woody. As they grow, the bark cracks. The stems curl and intertwine.
From the base to the top, the shoots are densely foliated. The large leaf blades are either entire or split into lobes. Leaves vary in color from pale to bright green. Slightly pubescent leaves sit on long petioles, arranged in turns to form a continuous carpet.
Kirkazon blooms in early summer. The original flowers, consisting of a tube and a wide bend, hide in the axils of the leaves. The shape of the flowers evokes associations with a smoking pipe or saxophone. The perianth is intricately colored – a bright spotted pattern runs along the grayish background. The flowers smell peculiar, attracting flies, beetles and mosquitoes.
It is the aroma that lures the insect into the trap. The hairs inside the tube turn into an insurmountable barrier. In search of an exit, the “captive” conducts pollination. Only when the process is complete do the hairs fall off, freeing the passage. At the same time, the anthers sprinkle the insect with a new portion of pollen, which it is sure to deliver to another flower. By the way, the fertilized flower immediately falls off. Thus, the voluntary helpers do not have to waste their efforts in vain.
The fruit of the plant is a cucumber-like capsule. When it ripens, it opens up, releasing many flat, triangular seeds.
In culture Aristolochia is used for vertical landscaping. The perennial plant beautifully braids any supports, masks structures, decorates balconies. From these lianas turn out original live tunnels and arches.
Growing
Cirsasone grows quickly. The standard annual growth of shoots is about two meters. Therefore, the plant needs a strong reliable support. Interestingly, the shoots wind it exclusively counterclockwise. Frozen stems, as well as those that exceed the height of the support, it is recommended to cut.
Aristolochia needs a place protected from winds. Sharp air currents often tear the leaf plates.
Profusely flowering liana, however, often refuses to give seeds. Therefore, vegetative propagation is adopted in culture.
To do this in May, cut cuttings from 20 cm in length. They are rooted in a sandy-peat mixture, setting at an inclination and covering with a glass vessel or polyethylene. The roots grow in 3-4 weeks. Transplanting into the open ground is recommended to postpone until next year, because the plant does not have enough strength for wintering in the street.
Horizontal offshoots are pinned to the soil also in the spring. It should be taken into account that the appearance of their own roots will have to wait at least two years.
Aristolochia is susceptible to attacks of spider mite. The small pest causes damage to the ornamentality and health of the liana. The site presents the most effective preparations and outlines methods of combating the “invader”.
