Passiflora aka Passionflower

Taxonomy

Passiflora, also known as passion flowers or passion vines, is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Passifloraceae. With approximately 550 species, Passiflora encompasses various forms such as tendril-bearing vines, shrubs, and trees, exhibiting both woody and herbaceous characteristics. These plants produce striking and usually showy flowers with a distinctive corona, often organized into up to eight coronal series. One example is the P. xiikzodz, which showcases this feature. The flowers are pentamerous and develop into indehiscent fruits that house numerous seeds. One notable species is P. edulis, a perennial vine characterized by tendrils emerging from leaf axils, displaying a reddish or purple hue in their early stages. It encompasses two main varieties: P. edulis f. edulis, which bears purple fruits, and P. edulis f. flavicarpa, which yields yellow fruits. Typically, a single flower measuring 5–7.5 cm in width grows at each node of this vine. The flower comprises oblong green sepals and white petals, both measuring 4-6mm and forming a fringe. The flower's base exhibits a rich purple color and contains 5 stamens, an ovary, and a branched style. The styles curve backward, and the anthers, located atop the styles, possess a distinct head. The resulting fruit is fleshy, resembling a berry, and assumes a spherical to ovoid shape. Its outer color ranges from dark purple with fine white specks to light yellow. The fruit's diameter varies between 4 and 7.5 cm, with purple fruits weighing around 35 grams and yellow fruits closer to 80 grams. The smooth, leathery rind measures 9–13 mm in thickness, encompassing a substantial pith layer. Inside the berry, approximately 250 black seeds, each measuring 2.4 mm, reside within a membranous sac filled with pulpy juice. The juice possesses a slightly acidic and musky flavor, often likened to the taste of guava. In summary, Passiflora is a diverse genus of flowering plants, encompassing various forms such as vines, shrubs, and trees. These plants produce vibrant flowers with a unique corona and develop into fruits housing numerous seeds. P. edulis, a notable species within this genus, is a perennial vine with tendrils, bearing either purple or yellow fruits. Its flowers exhibit distinct features such as oblong green sepals, white petals forming a fringe, and a richly colored base. The resulting fruit is fleshy, displaying a range of colors and containing black seeds surrounded by pulpy juice with a slightly acidic and musky flavor, reminiscent of guava.

Common names

Passionflower, Passion Flower Piresii, Lady Margaret Passion Flower

How to care for Passionflower

Difficulty

Passionflower requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Passionflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Passionflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Passionflower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Passionflower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Passionflower to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Passionflower’s native range is A range of hybrids of garden origin.


More info:
Wikipedia