Passionflower

Passionflower refers to the plants of the genus Passiflora, a group of flowering vines in the family Passifloraceae. The genus comprises hundreds of species native mainly to the Americas and the Caribbean and is widely cultivated for ornamental flowers and, in some cases, edible fruit. The best-known fruiting species is Passiflora edulis, which yields purple or yellow passion fruit, while Passiflora incarnata, commonly called maypop, is native to parts of the southeastern United States and features medicinal uses in traditional practices.

Leaves are usually lobed, often three-lobed; flowers have a distinctive corona of filaments around a central reproductive column and are typically showy. The fruit is a berry containing seeds and varies in color and flavor by species.

Cultivation: Passionflowers prefer warm, sunny sites with well-drained soil and vertical support. They can be grown as perennials in frost-free areas or as annuals elsewhere. They are propagated by seeds or cuttings and may require a long warm season to bear fruit.

Uses and safety: Ornamental vines are valued for their flowers; fruit-producing species are cultivated commercially for fresh fruit and juices. In traditional medicine, Passiflora species have been used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but clinical evidence is limited and results are mixed. Preparations vary in potency, and side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. They can interact with sedatives and other central nervous system depressants, and should be used with caution during pregnancy or when taking certain medications.

Notable species include P. edulis, P. incarnata, P. caerulea, and P. quadrangularis.