Passion Flower Vine

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Passion Flower Vine

A plant genus consisting of more than 400 species, passion flower vine (Passiflora sp.)  is a climbing plant originated in South America. Reaching up to 90 feet in length, this climber uses tendrils to climb trees, but the flowers are borne in lower level because many of its pollinators tend to be found in the lower storey. The flower of passion vine is unmistakable, and easily identified by the corona that consists of numerous thread-like spikes.  Passion flower comes in various colours including blue, purple and red.

The spectacular passion flowers are borne singly, each with 5 petals and sepals. At the center of the flower is the stamen, the female organs, with three stigmas where the pollens land at the initial stage of fertilization.  Just below them are the male organs or stamens. There are typically five stamens in each flower.  Depending of species, passion vine flowers are pollinated by butterflies, bees, bats and birds.

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Close-up of a passion flower.

The leaves of passion vine can be hairy and deep green in colour. An interesting fact about passion flower vine is their leaves are inedible to many insects. The reason is that, once chewed, the leaves will release cyanide, which is highly toxic to animals. An exception is the caterpillars of butterflies belonging to the genus Heliconia.

A popular garden plant throughout the world, passion vine generally require good sunlight as well as properly drained soil. A trellis would certainly be useful as the plants have something to climb on using its tendrils. Apart from its beautiful flowers, the fruit of several species of passion flower have also been useful to humans. Inside its egg-shaped fruit is many seed surrounded by arils. The arils can be eaten or pressed to make a juice.

In addition, passion flowers have been use as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia in many parts of the world. In Vietnam, passion vine is also use to treat high blood pressure. Africans are also known to use them to fight arthritis and diarrhea.

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