Aristolochia rotunda - Snakeroot

Family:	Aristolochiaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	Europe - Mediterranean. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Aristolochia rotunda (Snakeroot) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Snakeroot will flower in October to December. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Flies

Soil Information

Snakeroot will grow in medium (loamy), soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Snakeroot prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Snakeroot can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Found amongst shrubs and herbaceous plants[45] along the sides of roads, in fields and in meadows[7].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[1, 134, 200]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[134]. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root is antitussive, diuretic, emmenagogue, pectoral, vermifuge and vulnerary[4, 7, 46, 61]. This herb should only be used internally with expert advice since large doses can provoke abortions as well as poisoning with inflammation of the mucous membranes, resulting in respiratory paralysis[7]. The plant contains aristolochic acid which, whilst stimulating white blood cell activity and speeding the healing of wounds, is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[254]. Externally the plant is used to treat a variety of skin complaints including eczema and difficult to heal ulcers[7]. The root is harvested in late spring and dried for later use[7].

• Abortifacient - Causes an abortion.
• Antitussive - Prevents or relieves coughing.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emmenagogue - Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
• Pectoral - Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
• Vermifuge - Expels and kills internal parasites.
• Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.

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[134]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[134]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[200]. 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[200]. Root cuttings in winter[200].

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous in large quantities[7]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[254]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[218]. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[176].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
F. Chittendon.
Author: F. Chittendon.
Rating:
Publisher : Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
Date of Publication : 1951

Flowers of Greece and the Balkans.
Polunin. O.
Author: Polunin. O.
Rating:
Publisher : A good pocket flora, it also lists quite a few plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1980

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