Aristolochia littoralis

Calico Flower, Elegant Dutchman's Pipe

Message of the Flower

Inspiration

The Mother’s Comment

Brings its manifold gifts to him who knows how to receive them.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Inspiration is a slender river of brightness leaping from a vast & eternal knowledge, it exceeds reason more perfectly than reason exceeds the knowledge of the senses.

Sri Aurobindo, Essays Divine and Human: Jnana

There are different kinds of knowledge. One is inspiration, i.e. something that comes out of the Knowledge planes like a flash and opens up the mind to the Truth in a moment. That is inspiration. It easily takes the form of words as when a poet writes or a speaker speaks, as people say, from inspiration.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - IV: The Mind and Other Levels of Being

Inspiration is like a tiny little stream or a few falling drops and these drops are so pure, so brilliant, so complete in themselves, that they give you the sense of a marvellous inspiration, the impression that you have reached infinite domains and risen very high above the ordinary human condition. And yet this is nothing in comparison with what is still to be perceived.

The Mother, On Thoughts and Aphorisms: Aphorism - 2

Colour

cream-colored with purplish-brown markings.

Family

Aristolochiaceae

Cultivars

Not many known specific cultivars.

Flower Size

Can be up to 7 cm long.

Flower Texture

Smooth and somewhat fleshy.

Number of Petals

Technically has three petals, but they are highly modified and fused.

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Not particularly fragrant; some describe a mild, unpleasant scent.

Leaf Texture

smooth and glossy

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

climbing vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Blooms primarily in spring and summer.

Climate

Prefers warm, tropical to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate; prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.

Soil Type

Adaptable to a variety of soil types but prefers fertile, well-drained soils.

Temperature Ranges

Not frost-tolerant; prefers consistently warm conditions.

Sun or Shade

Prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Can be prone to aphids and spider mites.

Pollinators

Attracts certain species of flies for pollination.

Habitat

Native to South America, commonly found in forests and along riverbanks.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides a food source for the larvae of some butterfly species.

Ornamental

Grown for its unique and ornate flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered.