Common name:
Brazilian Dutchman's Pipe

Origin:
Brazil

Description:
This giant pipe flower resembles to the calico flower (Aristolochia elegans), but is a lot bigger. The climber can reach a height of 10 meters and produces lovely brown-purple spotted flowers which can grow up to 30 cm wide. These flowers spread a less pleasant scent, because they have to be pollinated by flies. The designation pipe flower refers to the 19^th century Dutch pipes, which is why the plant is also often called the ‘Dutchman’s pipe’. The plant can be kept as a container plant at a minimum temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
 
Germination instructions:
First soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 48 hours. The seeds can be sown in sowing mix, and should be covered with a very thin layer of soil. Move it to a bright spot at a temperature of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Constantly keep the soil moist (cover with plastic foil or glass).

Sowing time:
All year round

Photo 1: Leo Michels
Photo 2: Rancho Reubidoux