The purple passion plant or Passiflora Incarnata is a fast growing, perennial plant that is commonly found in the southern parts of the United States. Although the purple passion vine is a wild plant it is often found in gardens growing as exotic houseplants. It is one of the hardiest species of the passion flower group. It is also the state wildflower of Tennessee.
Physical Characteristics
The purple passion plant has long and trailing stems that bear many tendrils. Stems can be pubescent or smooth that bear palmately leaves with 3 lobes. The leaves have an alternate arrangement over the stem.
Purple passion flowers have a characteristic bluish white petals. The plant gets its name from a comparison of its flowers with the elements of the crucifixion of Christ. The purple passion flower has five petals and sepals each of which are compared to the 10 apostles of Christ (excluding Judas and Peter). The 3 styles are believed to symbolize the nails of Christ’s cross and the stemmed ovary is compared to the Lord’s Goblet. The comparison with Christ does not end here. The 5 stamens of the purple passion flower is believed to represent Christ’s 5 wounds, whereas the filament located at the top of the flower is is considered to symbolize the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus’ head.
The purple passion plant bears oval, yellowish, fleshy fruits that are about the size of a hen’s egg. Also known as Maypop, the fruit is initially green. However, as it matures it takes on a yellow color.
Growing Purple Passion Plant
Purple passion plants can be grown inside the house as a houseplant, or as an annual in the garden. It will thrive in either condition. Propagating these plants is generally very easy specially when it is pruned. One just has to take the cuttings, that should be 3″-5” in height, and bury them in the soil, vermiculite, or simply in fresh water.
Sunlight: Despite not being very fussy about the growth conditions, these plants require bright sunlight which helps the plants to maintain their characteristic purple color. However, very strong sunlight can be damaging for the plant. Hence, if grown inside, plant the vine in an east or west window or in a south window covered with a transparent curtain. If you are growing it outside, provide partial shade to it. Take special care that the plant is well protected from the scorching heat of the afternoon sun.
Soil and Water Requirements: Passion purple plant prefers moist soil. They grow well in soil which has 50% peat moss added to it. If the plant is grown as an outdoor plant, it should be watered everyday. However, when grown inside, adding water to the soil once a week would meet its water requirements.
Trimming: One important aspect of this plant while growing it in the garden is trimming. Trimming the ends of the stem of this plant will ensure that stems branch and the plant bears a full look.
Uses of the Purple Passion Plant
Although the fruit is edible, other parts of the plant may be toxic. The juicy fruit makes a delicious but seedy snack. The juice from the pulp that cling to the black seeds of the fruit are used for making jellies, pies, syrups, ice cream puddings, and cakes. Traditionally, the fruit was very popular among the settlers of the South as well as among the Native American tribes.
Recent studies have shown that this plant contains flavonoids that help in bringing a calming and relaxing effect. This has made this plant useful for treating anxiety symptoms and insomnia.
The purple passion plant is a bright exotic houseplant that is a favorite of many with a passion for gardening. This hardy species requires little care. Just plant it in your flower garden and see the vine adding to the glory of your garden.
