Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Passion Flower, Passiflora incarnata



Last fall in mid- October my cousins and I were walking on the edge of my 38 acre farm. I pointed out this fruit but didn't have a bloom to show them. Today my dog and I walked around and spotted the bloom. Now that I have a picture of the flower, I feel I have a more complete display. 

This flowering vine occurs in the Southeastern United States and is commonly called Passion flower or may pop. The flower, fruit and vine are all useful to a variety of wildlife species. Insects such as the Gulf Fritillary and zebra longwing use it as a host plant for their larva. Native Americans used the fruit as a treat and leaves to make a herbal tea. 



I think the flower is delicate looking. I read that the flower is specifically adapted to allow only certain bees to pollinate it. It's interesting to learn about the intricate workings in nature. 


Summer Reading List