Passion flower
\n| Passionflower |
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\n |
\n |
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\n| Species |
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\n\nPassiflora edulis
\nPassiflora incarnata
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Passion flower refers to vines in the Genus
Passiflora—
flowering plants known for their showy
flowers. The plants were named for the passion of
Christ, because the flower structure seemed symbolic of Jesus' scourging, crowning with thorns, and crucifixion. Passion flowers are native to tropical and sub-tropical
America. However, a number of species of
Passiflora are cultivated outside their natural range because of their beautiful flowers.
Passifloras have a unique blossom structure: one which requires a large bee to effectively pollinate
(see photo below). In the American tropics, wooden beams are mounted near passionfruit plantings to encourage Carpenter bees to nest.
The
passion fruit vine of commerce,
Passiflora edulis, is cultivated extensively in the
Caribbean and south
Florida for its fruit, used as source of juice.
Maypop (
Passiflora incarnata), a common wildflower in the southern US, is a subtropical representative of this mostly tropical family. Its fruit is edible, but is quite seedy and mostly benefits wildlife. As with other passifloras, it is the larval food of a number of butterfly species.
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