birthwort

(-wʉrt′)

noun

any of a genus (Aristolochia) of vines of the birthwort family with brownish or purplish -shaped flowers: formerly supposed to be of help in childbirth

adjective

designating a family (Aristolochiaceae, order Aristolochiales) of dicotyledonous plants, shrubs, and woody vines, including Dutchman's pipe

See birthwort in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Any of several herbs or woody vines of the genus Aristolochia having showy, malodorous, purplish-brown to yellowish flowers with peculiar or unusual shapes. The European species A. clematitis was used as a folk medicine to aid childbirth.
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