Synonym: Aristolochia petersiana.
Region: Tropical Africa, Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Angola and Mozambique.
Habitat: drier areas; forest grassland, clearings and edges, riverine forest, scrub and bushland; in waste places and sisal plantations; sea level to 1500 metres; tropics, with a distinct dry season.
Use: medicinal.
BotanyHerb; climbing; perennial climbing, twine around other plants; poisonous to sheep and goats.
Root: bitter tasting.
Stem: herbaceous, becoming more woody, especially near the base, persisting; unpleasant smelling; 2 to 3 to 10 metres long.
Flowers: form an intricate trap for pollinating insects, which are eventually released.