Passiflora: Difference between revisions

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'''Passionflower''' refers to vines in the Genus ''Passiflora''&mdash;[[flowering plant]]s known for their showy [[flower]]s. 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 [[The Americas|America]]. However, a number of species of ''Passiflora'' are cultivated outside their natural range because of their beautiful flowers.
'''Passion flower''' refers to vines in the Genus ''Passiflora''&mdash;[[flowering plant]]s known for their showy [[flower]]s. 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 [[The Americas|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 bee]]s to nest.
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 bee]]s to nest.

Revision as of 18:13, 22 June 2004

Passionflower
A passion flower
A passion flower
Template:Regnum: Plantae
Template:Divisio: Magnoliophyta
Template:Classis: Magnoliopsida
Template:Subclassis:Dilleniidae
Template:Ordo: Malpighiales
Template:Familia:Passifloraceae
Template:Genus:Passiflora
Species

Passiflora edulis
Passiflora incarnata

Passion flower refers to vines in the Genus Passifloraflowering 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.

Xylocopa virginica -- a carpenter bee pollinating a maypop
Xylocopa virginica -- a carpenter bee pollinating a maypop
Passion flower (drawing)
Passion flower (drawing)

External links