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Project Noah Nature School
Passiflora incarnata
Long trailing vine, which vigorously scrambles and climbs to reach sunlight. Uses tendrils to grasp onto branches or structures. Produces many short-lived spectacular purple flowers. Popular butterfly plant, as it is the primary larval food source for Gulf Fritillaries and Zebra Longwings.
Native to Eastern and Southern United States. Occurs in thickets, disturbed areas, near riverbanks, and near unmowed pastures, roadsides, and railroads. It thrives in areas with lots of available sunlight.
Produces an edible fruit similar but inferior to the more desirable P. edulis. Traditionally, the fresh or dried whole plant has been used as a herbal medicine to treat nervous anxiety and insomnia. Used as an alternative natural sleep-aide.
Spotted on Sep 17, 2008
Submitted on Feb 19, 2012
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