Passiflora: Difference between revisions
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'''Passion flower''' refers to vines in the Genus ''Passiflora''—[[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''—[[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. |
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Most of decorative 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. At the same time, sizes and |
Most of decorative 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. At the same time, sizes and structures of flowers of various species of passiflora vary. Some species can be pollinated by [[hummingbird]]s and [[bumble bee]]s, others by wasps, still others are self-pollinating. |
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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. |
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. |
Revision as of 05:39, 1 September 2004
Passionflower |
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Species |
Passiflora Amethystina |
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.
Most of decorative 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. At the same time, sizes and structures of flowers of various species of passiflora vary. Some species can be pollinated by hummingbirds and bumble bees, others by wasps, still others are self-pollinating.
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.