Maypop Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

29/09/2012

Passiflora incarnata L. 1753, commonly called Maypop, Apricot Vine, Purple Passionflower, True Passionflower or Wild Passionflower is a vigorous vine native to the southern United States and one of the most hardy Passiflora species.


The Maypop Passionflower can reach lengths up to 10 meters, the fleshy, orange fruits, if fully ripe, get the size of a hen egg and was a favourite of Native Americans. The fragrant Maypop flowers get a size of about 10 cm in diameter, the pleasant scent is reminescent of a fruity bubble gum. In the USA Passiflora incarnata is considered as a noxious weed as the plant overruns trees and shrubs. The Maypop Passionflower requires a sunny to partial shaddy location. Flowering period: Summer - Autumn. Fresh or dried parts of the fast growing perennial vine are used in natural medicine to treat nervous anxiety, insomnia, stress and is used as a sleep-inducing drug. The stunning Maypop Flowers are pollinated by insects, like bumblebees and bees whilst leaves are larval food of a number of butterflies.

Maypop Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Maypop Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Passionflowers (Passiflora) at Orchids Flowers.com:


{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Leona April 30, 2013 at 19:54

How do I order bulbs to plant the maypop Passiflora incarnata ?

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