Aristolochia Gigantea

The Aristolochia Gigantea or the commonly known “Dutchman’s Pipe," is a bizarre looking and extraordinary plant native to Brazil.

This fast growing vine, now blooming at Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory,  produces large, burgundy and white mottled flowers that certainly grab your attention. 

 Not only does this bloom make it one of the strangest looking plants at the Conservatory, it also has an interesting pollination system: The long tube-shaped part of the flower is covered in tiny hairs that temporarily trap flying insects. These hairs later retract, allowing the pollen-covered bug to fly away and pollinate other flowers. 

Photo credits: Michael Lemmon