Passion Flower

Passiflora incarnata

Passion Flower has fascinating flowers that look like they have many layers! They can be purple or white and are often found climbing on trellises.

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical areas

Appearance

The Passion Flower has strikingly intricate blooms with vibrant petals often in shades of white, purple, or blue. A distinctive fringed crown of filaments sits above the petals, surrounding the central reproductive parts, making it look unlike any other flower.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyPassifloraceaeGenusPassiflora

Passion Flower

Interesting facts

Certain types of passion flowers can grow over 30 feet long, like a super climber!

Its fruit, passionfruit, provides Vitamin C and is super tasty!

Some species bloom only for one day, showing their beauty quickly!

The name 'Passion Flower' honors religious symbols, not romantic feelings!

Special abilities

Passion Flower can climb high using special tendrils that help it grasp onto supports to reach sunlight.

Passion Flower has special glands that produce sugary nectar, attracting ants which defend the plant from herbivores.

Passion Flower can deter some butterflies from laying eggs by having spots on its leaves that mimic existing eggs.

Measurements & details

Height: 300-900 cm
Spread: 100-300 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect, Bird, Bat

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen for its colony.

eats

Zebra Longwing butterfly

Heliconius charithonia

Its caterpillars feed on the leaves.

pollinates

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Sips nectar from long-tubed flowers.

pollinates

Jamaican Fruit Bat

Artibeus jamaicensis

Feeds on nectar and carries pollen.

Traits

Climbing/Vine

Find plants that love to reach for the sky by growing upwards, often wrapping around other plants or structures! They're experts at finding support to climb higher.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!