BIRTHWORT FAMILY 



ranges farther south it clings to the trees and forms dense masses 

 of foliage; the leaves sometimes more than a foot across. 



The blossoms are borne on the old wood, usually solitary, but 

 sometimes two or three together on long, slender petioles. Their 

 color is produced by numberless tiny, brownish-purple dots 

 and ridges upon a background of dull orange. The flower is 

 not beautiful, but curious and interesting. 



The genus Arisiolochia is a large one, though there are but few 

 species native within the limits of the United States. As a whole 

 the genus is characterized by grotesque flowers with offensive odor, 

 though the Dutchman's Pipe does not offend in this respect. 



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