passion flower, maypop, granadilla
incarnate passionflower
Description
Passiflora is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants. Most are vines but include herbaceous and shrubby types. Passion flowers have a unique structure, while some are self-pollinating, most require pollination through bees or hummingbirds.
Depending on the type, most species have circular or ovoid edible fruits that range from two to eight inches long and one inch to two inches wide.
History
The Passifloraceae family is found throughout the world except for the Poles. Passiflora species are native to the Americas, many species are native to South America, China, New Guinea, southern Asia, and Australia, and one native plant is found in New Zealand. Purple and yellow passion fruits are commercially grown in many tropical and subtropical regions.
The species is an important source of nectar for numerous insects.
Many types of Passiflora secrete nutrient-rich fluids from their leaf stems. These attractants that protect plants from harmful pests.
Also known as maypop. they consist of a woody vine with unusual flowers reminiscent of the passion of Christ.
- The blue and white flowers of many species represent Heaven and Purity.
- The pointed tips of the blades resembled the Holy Spear.
- The radial filaments represent the crown of thorns.
- The tendrils recall the whips used in the flagellation of Christ.
- Ten petals and sepals resemble ten apostles (Saint Peter and Judas Iscariot excluded).
- The three stigmata are the 3 nails and the 5 anthers are the 5 wounds.
- A goblet-shaped ovary represents the Holy Grail
Use
Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before embarking on an alternative remedy recovery course!
- Passion flower has a calming effect on the nervous system and is specifically indicated for anxiety and insomnia. It is an addictive remedy for anxiety; Passion flower has been used to help ease withdrawal from alcohol, nicotine, and opiates. The mild action makes it worth considering for anxiety-based insomnia before using valerian.
- Maypop leaves and roots were used by Native North Americans. The fresh or dried leaves are used as a tea to treat hysteria, insomnia, and epilepsy; also valued for its analgesic properties.
- Passion flower is classified as a naturally grown medicinal herb for the treatment of insomnia and nervousness.
- Passion flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including nervous gastrointestinal complaints), sleep difficulties, anxiety or restlessness.
spread
Passion flower likes moderately fertile, well-drained, but reliably moist soils. Full sun or partial shade is best, but protected from cold, dry winds by a wall facing south, southwest, or west. It thrives in any type of soil regardless of its acidity or alkalinity.
Passionflowers do well in a container with a good quality all-purpose or peat-free compost. Water passion flowers well in the growing season, but more sparingly during the winter, allowing the compost surface of container-grown plants to begin to dry out between watering sessions.
Use a general fertilizer for these herb garden plants following the recommended dosage listed on the package.