Hongsho lota, Calico flower, Aristolochia littoralis

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Hongsho lota or Calico flower (Aristolochia littoralis, family: Aristolochiaceae) is an extensive climber with woody and slender stem. It can attain a height of 3-6 m. The plant is native to South America. 


Common names: Hongsho lota, Calico flower, Elegant Dutchman's pipe.


Flower is solitary, 6-8 cm across, violet inner side, hollow at the bottom, looking like swan. Insects are often trapped inside the pungent smelled flowers. The evergreen climber produces flowers from April-October.



 Leaves are green, heart-shaped, blunted at the end.


In Bangladesh, the vine is grown in gardens for its strange-looking flowers. It needs strong support for its proper growth.


Fruit is long with flat seed.


Its propagation is caused by seed.

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