EOL-media-542-244da471c52a616fe21d51676dfba276

Aristolochia serpentaria, called "Virginia Snakeroot", I imagine for the zig-zag pattern of the foliage. This is an herb-like plant, not a vine, like most other members of the genus. This is the only native Aristolochia in my immediate area, and is the only hostplant, apparently, for the local Pipevine Swallowtails.This is a documentary shot for the Encylopedia of Life--am making no great claims to artistic merit on this one--it does show the zig-zag stem.There is a rather chilling story about the poisonous properties of this genus--Manna from Hell--from The Scientist. It is still used as an herbal supplement. All species of this genus apparently contain the potent nephrotoxin (kidney toxin) Aristolochic acid. This is the stuff that protects the Pipevine Swallowtails from predation!