PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Aristolochia grandiflora
Pelican Flower / Giant Toad Plant
Sw., 1788
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Aristolochia grandiflora is a perennial woody climber (liana), famous for having one of the largest and strangest flowers in the plant kingdom. Its stems are vigorous and climb by twinning. It has large, cordate (heart-shaped), bright green leaves. Its most amazing feature is the flower: a huge calyx-shaped receptacle resembling a 'pelican' or 'duck' that can measure up to 60 cm in length (not including a filamentous tail that can extend another 60 cm). The flower features a cream color with an intricate pattern of purplish or brown veins, simulating decaying meat. It emits a powerful foul odor to attract pollinating flies. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule that, when dry, opens like an inverted basket to release winged seeds. It is a master species of biological deception and a fascinating component of the lower canopy in wet forests.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Piperales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Aristolochiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Aristolochia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sw., 1788
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits mainly the edges of tropical wet forests, riparian thickets, and secondary forests, from sea level up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in altitude. It prefers areas with high humidity and filtered or partial sunlight, where its stems can climb over surrounding vegetation. It is native to the Caribbean and Central American region. In Costa Rica, it is frequently found in the Caribbean lowlands and wet areas of the Central and Southern Pacific.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a key species in the insect food web. Its deception-based pollination strategy sustains populations of necrophagous dipterans. However, its most notable role is as an obligatory food plant for butterflies of the Papilionidae family. The liana provides a connecting structure between the lower and middle forest strata, serving as a transit route for small vertebrates.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
500.0 - 1000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Chemical and Visual Mimicry (Sapromyophily): The flower has evolved to visually mimic the texture of decaying meat and chemically the smell of sulfur compounds. This adaptation specifically attracts flies from the Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae families, which act as involuntary pollinators while searching for sites to lay eggs.
Temporal Pollination Trap: The flower structure has an internal chamber with downward-pointing hairs that allow insects to enter but prevent their initial exit. Flies are trapped for 24 hours; on the first day the flower is female and receives pollen, on the second day it releases pollen onto the flies and the hairs wither, allowing them to escape to pollinate another flower.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: The removal of riparian biological corridors and the deforestation of secondary forests reduce the populations of butterflies that depend on this plant for their life cycle.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Pipevine Swallowtail Host: This plant is the exclusive food for butterfly larvae of the Battus genus. Caterpillars consume the leaves and sequester aristolochic acids, becoming toxic to birds that try to eat them.
Precautionary Medicinal Use: Historically used against snake bites (guaco root), but it has been discovered to contain aristolochic acid, a potent nephrotoxin and carcinogen, making its internal use highly dangerous.