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Project Noah Nature School
Passiflora incarnata
10 main petals, 5 of which also form the outer bud casing. Dozens of hair-like secondary petals (?) radiate from the center, with unusual purple and white striping on each. The center postal features prominently. Small fruits also grow on the ground flower vine. They are green and melon-like in shape, but mostly hollow on the inside. The leaves are simple three point, dark green.
These are growing in the back hay-field, which is regularly mowed every few months. They seem to especially like locating towards taller patches of Johnson grass.
Locals call this vine Passion Flower, using many of it's features to symbolize the Passion of Christ. Edible. I dug up a few for a family member who wanted some and noted they seem to spread by the roots; the plant sends out long runners a few inches below the soil, with new plants popping up several feet away. It does seem hardy enough to become invasive. I noticed the first few about one month ago.
I should have added, when fully ripe, the fruit will be a pale yellow and the space between the seeds and outer wall will be filled with a sweet pulp.
The entire plant is edible, from the root to the fruit. The flowers are often made into a syrup and can make a colorful addition to salads. The fruit is made into jams and jellies, also ate straight out of hand.
Spotted on Sep 1, 2012
Submitted on Sep 1, 2012
