Aristolochia rotunda aka Smearwort

Aristolochia rotunda belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family. It is a perennial, so it lives for several years. People call it smearwort and apple-of-the-earth. It comes from Mediterranean Europe and nearby parts of Europe. Its range spans France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. It also grows in southern Switzerland and northwestern Turkey. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In Britain, some plants grow outside gardens at times.

This plant grows to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. In the wild, it grows among shrubs and other herbs. It also grows beside roads, in fields, and in meadows. These sites hold both woody plants and low-growing plants. It blooms from April to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies carry pollen to pollinate the flowers. The supplied evidence gives no more details about its flowers. It gives no fruit details for this species either.

In gardens, it prefers loam rich in organic matter. It can grow in ordinary garden soil too. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. It accepts mildly acid soil and neutral soil. Mildly alkaline soil suits it too. Grow it in sun or part shade. A woodland garden with dappled light suits its needs. Its modest height fits the lower layer of such planting. The evidence gives no firm winter hardiness rating for this species.

Raise plants from seed, by division, or from root cuttings. Sow fresh seed in a greenhouse in autumn. A warm-water soak before sowing may help stored seed sprout. A cold spell may help stored seed sprout too. Seeds may take one to three months to sprout at 20°C. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected spring frost. Divide plants in autumn, or take root cuttings in winter.

This is not a food plant. The records list no edible uses. People have used the root as a medicine. Reports list its use for coughs and skin complaints. These records do not show that home use is safe. The plant contains aristolochic acid. This acid can harm kidneys and cause cancer. Large doses can cause poisoning and may cause abortion. Severe poisoning can paralyse the muscles used to breathe. The plant is toxic, so self-treatment is unsafe. The supplied evidence lists no other practical uses.