Aristolochia littoralis (Calico Flower)

Native from Colombia to northern Argentina, this perennial woody vine climbs by tightly twining stems and can reach about 23 feet. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves accompany reddish-purple, pipe-shaped flowers marked with pale patches. Scent attracts flies into the flowers, where inward-pointing hairs temporarily hold them during pollination. Dry capsules release numerous seeds. It contains aristolochic acids, which can cause kidney damage and cancer if ingested. In Queensland, Australia, it is invasive and smothers other vegetation. Richmond birdwing butterflies may lay eggs on its leaves, but the leaves poison the caterpillars, threatening the butterfly’s survival. Photographed in Quindio, Colombia.