GOING NAKED-ER-NATIVE
A few words about passion. We all want some but aren’t necessarily able to have it all the time. So how about the passion flower? What can it do for us? Perhaps improve our love life? Hmmm…..
The native passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herbaceous perennial vine, growing to 6 -15 feet in length or height. Its exotic flowers are white and purple and bloom through summer to mid fall (see picture). Its fruits are about the size of a hen egg. It likes full sun or partial shade. It has average water needs, will grow in most soils but prefers those rich, acid soil.
Also known as Maypop, for the sound the fruits makes when stepped on, the vine is a fast grower, dying down in the winter and growing back quickly in the spring. It can be propagated seed, cuttings or dividing rhizomes.
Gulf and variegated fritillaries and zebra longwing butterflies are passionate about the passion flower. Fritillary caterpillars can ravage its leaves when feeding. (See picture of Gulf Fritillary caterpillar). Its fruits of passion are eaten by rabbits and deer.
But alas, the term “passion” regarding this flower nothing to do with the passion of love. The flower was named by 15th and 16th century Spanish missionaries as it reminded them of certain aspects of the Passion of Christ (though not featured in the movie).
Don’t despair, however! The plant can be used to treat nervous anxiety and insomnia brought on by lack of passion. It is also a good pass-a-long plant which might lead to a passion flower relationship.
You can see a passion flower in the Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden. Its small, having just been planted, but we’re hoping it will wind up the white oak its been planted next to. And if you would like to sign up to volunteer at the garden (for a work day, to water when needed or to clean the bird bath occasionally, please email me at cvanderschaaf@bellsouth.net
Internet sources for article: Georgia Wildlife Federation, Discarding.com, Floridata.com, Wikipedia