Aristolochia praevenosa F.Muell.

Mueller, F.J.H. von (1861) Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae 2: 166. Type: NSW, Clarence River, Beckler s.n.; lecto: MEL 1553302. Fide Parsons (1996).

Vine, Richmond Butterfly; Birdwing Vine; Vine, Birdwing; Richmond Butterfly Vine; Aristolochia

Vine stem diameters to 4 cm recorded. Blaze odour spicy.

Leaf blades do not adhere when the underside is pressed onto clothing. Leaf blades about 6.5-23 x 2.5-11.6 cm, petioles curved or twisted, about 0.8-3.9 cm long. Underside of the leaf blade with hairs on the midrib and main lateral veins. Lateral veins about 6-10 on each side of the midrib. Ribs extend from the base of the petiole across the twig and down the stem. Oak grain in the twigs. Larger twigs usually laterally compressed. Leaves do not adhere to clothing.

Perianth tube sinuous, rather swollen and zygomorphic at the base. Perianth about 25 mm long, constricted above the swollen base and extending as a tube about 10 mm long above the constriction. Apex 3-lobed, flared like a trumpet. Outer surface of the perianth white or cream often with purple venation. Inner surface yellowish or much darker. Stamens 6, fused together to form a structure around the style. Anthers sessile, about 0.8 mm long. Ovary 6-ribbed and 6-locular. Ovules numerous in each locule.

Fruits about 25 mm long, outer surface longitudinally ribbed. Seeds about 3-4 mm long, testa verrucose. embryo minute.

Features not available.

Occurs in NEQ and in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales but not in coastal central Queensland. Altitudinal range in NEQ from 600-700 m. Grows in upland rain forest on basaltic and metamorphic rocks.

Food plant for the larval stages of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Common & Waterhouse (1981); Ross & Halford (2007).

Pararistolochia praevenosa (F.Muell.) Mich.J.Parsons, Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 120: 207 (1996).