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Passion Flower Vine Information and Medicinal Benefits

Passion-Flower-Vine

The passion flower vine is a unique herb in many regards. It is widely assumed that the passion flower vine was given its name by missionaries who used the parts of the flower as an object lesson for their instruction. The vine’s flower leaves a striking impression due to its unique corona structure and vibrant color. Each bud of the plant famously blooms for one to two days. Passion flower vines are known to sometimes have differently lobed leaves on the same plant. The over 400 species in the passiflora genus, containing both woody and herbaceous members. And new species, such as Passiflora xishuangbannaensis, was discovered as recently as 2005 in China.

The passion flower vine has much to offer humans. Gardens featuring trellises or cement walls can be tied together with the tendril-bearing members of the genus. Only a few species have undergone serious study by way of potential medical benefits. But if you are a tea drinker, you may find that passion flower vine has some desirable traits to assist a healthy lifestyle.

The Habitat of Passiflora

The passion flower vine can reach 15-20 feet of growth in a good season and can be a handsome addition to your landscape. However, being a natively Neotropic plant means extra precautions are necessary for gardeners in zones with harsh winters. Some species, like the Maypop, can thrive in USDA hardiness zone 6, although most species are more comfortable in zones 7-10.

One can expect for their passion flowers to die back in the winter, but the plant as a whole will survive if the roots are well taken care of. Deep mulching is thought to give a passion flower plant a good opportunity to produce new shoots in the Spring. When the vine is growing, the plant thrives best in indirect to full sunlight and soil that is well drained.

Fruit of the Passion Flower Vine

Passion flower is most often plants in Spring so they bloom in mid- to late-Summer. Not only will the vine make headway up the trellis over the Summer, but neighbors from nature will come visiting. Some species of butterflies are known to specifically seek out passion flowers for laying their larvae. The potential for a gorgeous plumage accompanied by colorfully winged creatures are just two rewards of growing this unique plant.

Some species of the passion flower vine produce edible fruit. Ripe fruit can be yellow or purple. Usually the size of a large egg, the core of the fruit will be packed with seeds. The fruit is not only said to be delicious, but aromatic as well. Just like many other fruits, passion fruit is a good source of vitamins A, B and C, and dietary fiber. In addition to eating passion fruit raw, some people like to make the fruit into juice, puree, or jam.

Passion Flower for Potential Health Benefits

Another way people like to ingest passion flower is by drinking it. The stem and leaves of the Maypop species can be made into tea, which people drink for potential medical benefits. As a tea or extract, passion flower may also be taken for a wide range of potential uses, including support for cognitive health, relaxation, and sleep.

Whether you enjoy gardening or trying new ways to support your health, passion flower vine may be a plant you want to experience for yourself.