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Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia spp.)

Introduced Dutchman's pipe vines can escape gardens and smother vegetation in warm parts of Australia. They are also a serious risk to native birdwing butterfly caterpillars, and Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids associated with severe kidney damage and urinary tract cancer.

Key facts

Type: Weed, vine and creeper.

Native to: South America for the introduced ornamental species commonly naturalised in Australia; the genus also includes native Australian species..

Established in: QLD, NSW, VIC, WA, NT.

Other names: Birthwort, Calico flower vine, Dutchman's pipe vine.

Best time to act: Look for the distinctive flowers and capsules, and treat plants before capsules mature and release seed.

Identification

  • Look for a twining or climbing vine with alternate, often heart-shaped leaves; leaf shape and size vary between species.
  • Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia littoralis, also known as A. elegans) has distinctive pipe-shaped flowers, usually patterned maroon and cream.
  • Its fruit is a capsule that contains numerous seeds, which can be released when it opens.
  • Other Aristolochia species can look quite different, so confirm identification from flowers, fruit and reliable local references.
  • Look-alike: Native Australian Aristolochia species and other climbing vines with heart-shaped leaves can be confused with introduced Dutchman's pipe; check flowers and fruit and seek expert identification where needed.

Where it grows

In Australia, introduced plants are most likely around gardens, disturbed areas, forest margins and other warm, sheltered sites, especially in coastal and subtropical regions.

Why it matters

  • Vigorous vines can cover and smother other plants, reducing light and affecting vegetation.
  • Dutchman's pipe can attract native birdwing butterflies to lay eggs, but its leaves can poison and kill their caterpillars.
  • Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids associated with severe kidney damage and urinary tract cancer.

How it spreads

  • Plants can spread from seed produced in their capsules.
  • Garden planting and the movement or dumping of seed-bearing plant material can establish new infestations.
  • Seeds or plant material may be moved with contaminated soil, equipment or other material.

Control options

  • For small plants, carefully remove the whole plant, including roots, and collect any fruit or seed capsules so they cannot spread.
  • For established vines, cut stems near ground level and treat the cut stump with a herbicide registered for that use, strictly following its label and local requirements.
  • Avoid pulling large vines down from trees, as this can damage vegetation; dispose of removed material and seed capsules in accordance with local guidance.
  • Revisit treated areas for regrowth and seedlings, and check with the state or territory biosecurity agency about identification, reporting and any local control requirements.

Hygiene and washdown

  • Remove seeds, plant fragments and contaminated soil from boots, tools, vehicles and machinery before leaving an infested site.
  • Contain and dispose of seed-bearing material so it is not carried to clean sites.
  • Inspect and clean vehicles, plant and footwear before leaving an infested area, paying attention to tyres, radiators, belly plates, tracks and floor mats.
  • Wash down at a designated bay where runoff is contained and can be monitored for seedlings.
  • Record each washdown so the client has evidence of clean entry and exit.

Classification by state

  • Australia (national): No national listing. Managed under state and territory law.
  • Queensland: Restricted matter, category 3. Do not give it away, sell or release it into the environment. Everyone must also take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise its risks (the general biosecurity obligation).
  • New South Wales: Not a priority weed. Not a state or regional priority weed in NSW. The general biosecurity duty applies: anyone dealing with it must prevent, eliminate or minimise the risk it poses.
  • Victoria: Not declared. Not declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Other Victorian laws may still apply.
  • South Australia: Not declared. Not declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. Other laws may still apply.
  • Western Australia: Not listed. Not found in the Western Australian Organism List. Check with DPIRD before moving or keeping it.
  • Tasmania: Not declared. Not a declared weed in Tasmania. Other laws may still apply.
  • Northern Territory: Check NT list. There is no NT weed profile for it. Check the NT declared weeds list for its current status.
  • Australian Capital Territory: Not declared. Not declared under the Biosecurity Act 2023 (ACT). A general biosecurity duty still applies.

Legal obligations

Every state and territory places a duty on landholders and people working on land to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the general biosecurity obligation in Queensland and the general biosecurity duty in New South Wales. Declarations and control requirements differ between states and local government areas, so check the current official list before work starts.

  • Queensland: Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), administered by Biosecurity Queensland (13 25 23)
  • New South Wales: Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW), administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Victoria: Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic), administered by Agriculture Victoria
  • Western Australia: Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA), administered by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
  • Northern Territory: Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 (NT), administered by NT Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

Sources