BIRTHWORT

any plant of the family Aristolochiaceae (order Aristolochiales), which contains five genera of mostly tropical woody vines and a few temperate-zone species. The calyx (outer part of the flower) is three-lobed. The flowers of some species lack petals; those of others are large and foul smelling. North American species of the family Aristolochiaceae include Canadian wild ginger (Asarum canadense), Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria), pelican flower (Aristolochia grandiflora; see ), and Dutchman's-pipe (q.v.; Aristolochia durior). The European birthwort (Aristolochia clematitis) and asarabacca (Asarum europaeum), the European wild ginger, number among other common members of the family. The European birthwort bears pale yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers in clusters of two to eight. The plant has heart-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges and pear-shaped hanging fruits. The plant is poisonous, but an extract from it has been used in the past to facilitate childbirth (hence the name) and in the treatment of snakebite.