aristolochiifolia

Aristolochiifolia is a botanical epithet used in the scientific names of plants, most often within the genus Aristolochia. The epithet is derived from Aristolochia and folia (leaf), effectively meaning “Aristolochia-leaved” or “with leaves like Aristolochia.” As a descriptive epithet, aristolochiifolia does not by itself designate a single, universally recognized species.

Taxonomic usage and status vary. The epithet has appeared in different named taxa and, depending on the taxonomic authority or revision, it may be treated as a legitimate species name or as a synonym of another taxon. Because it is an epithet rather than a standalone binomial, its exact circumscription is not fixed across treatments or regions.

Morphology and habitat are not defined by the epithet alone. In Aristolochia, the genus commonly features climbing plants with heart-shaped leaves and pipe-shaped, often ornate flowers, but the specific characteristics of any taxon bearing the epithet aristolochiifolia can differ and are determined by the formal description of that taxon.

Toxicity and uses: plants in the Aristolochia group are known to contain aristolochic acids, compounds that are nephrotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. Due to health concerns, many traditional uses have declined or been avoided, and modern guidance generally warns against unregulated use of Aristolochia species.

See also: Aristolochia, Aristolochiaceae, botanical nomenclature, Latin epithets in plant names.