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Passiflora edulis
Fresh passion fruit is high in beta carotene, potassium, and dietary fibre. Passion fruit juice is a good source of ascorbic acid.
Native to Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina (now cultivated all over the world)
The name was given by missionaries because the parts of the flower seemed reminiscent of the torture (the Passion) of Christ prior to his crucifixion: The three stigmas reflect the three nails in Jesus's hands and feet. The threads of the passion flower resemble the Crown of Thorns. The vine's tendrils are likened to the whips. The five anthers represented the five wounds. The ten petals and sepals regarded to resemble the Apostles (excluding Judas and Peter). The purple petals representing the purple robe used to mock Jesus' claim to kingship (Mt. 27:28) The flower of the passion fruit is the national flower of Paraguay. ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora_...)
Spotted on May 14, 2011
Submitted on Dec 14, 2012
1 Comment
Dear outdooreducation15, These pictures show the bud, the flower and the fruit of the passion fruit being grown in many places in Kerala, India. The pulp is used as a drink with some water and sugar added to make it thinner and tastier.