Passion Flowers

Passion Flowers

Most Passion Flower varieties are blooming vines.  They aggressively climb with their tendrils.  They originated under dense canopies in the rainforest and climbed trees to get to sunlight.  Once they reach the top of the canopy, they bloom to attract pollinators.

The purple fruited variety is grown in tropical areas and harvested for the fruit. 

The name was given by the Spaniards who believed it was representative of the “passion” of Christ on the cross.  It has 10 petals representing the 10 apostles without Judas and Peter, three stamens representing the three nails, and the corona to represent the crown of thorns.  The reasoning varies a lot depending on the source of information.      

In North America, it is becoming a symbol to show that you are homosexual.

In some cultures, it is called the clock flower because it does look somewhat clock like.

They are most suited for the southeastern United States.  They exist in tropical climates all around the world.