I was on a walk and found this flower that I have never seen before. I was wondering what type it was. It's about two inches in diameter and bright purple. It has zebra stripes around the center and a strange core. There are many stringy purple petals surrounding the core. In the center, there are small yellow pads enclosed by green arches. It is very exotic-looking. If you can identify this flower, please tell me. Thank you, - Devin
sorry should have said passion flower. Passionfriut is in the same family passifloracea.... there are over 500 species See here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passion_flower : )
It shows every characteristic of a Passiflora species. According to TROPICOS there are hundreds of species. If you want to figure out which species you'll have to look through the list of photos on a botanical site like TROPICOS one by one. But regardless, it is some sort of passion fruit species, but perhaps not the one most people are used to seeing.
We just call them Passionfruit here in Australia... I've never heard of Maypop, but you are correct that it is called that.
Thank you both so much. You have been a great help! Mr. martinpribble, you said you live in Australia? I'm here in Florida. Do either of you know what type of soil and climate Maypops would need to grow? I think I would like some in my yard. :) Thanks again, - Devin
A couple of things to consider (i'll call them passionfruit): 1. You are in florida so I'm assuming the weather is warm. Passionfruits will thrive in this environment, but if in a very sunny and dry climate, partial shade is good. Protect from frosts if applicable/possible. 2. Neutral pH and sandy loam soil is perfect. Good drainage is essential. Watering during drier months is beneficial. 3. Passionfruit is delicious. Choose a variety that is edible and you will grow to ove them. In Australia, the most popular variety of passionfruit is "Nellie Kelly", but I'm not sure what the availablilty of this plant is in the USA. Don't eat the skin, just slice in half ans spoon out the seeds and pulp. Great on ice-cream. Do your research and find out which varieties grow well in Florida, and are also edible. You won't be disappointed! 4. Passionfruit vine get very large, so choose a position with at least 2m upward and 4m lateral climbing room. The do react well to pruning, so cut back where you don't want it. They will get as large as you let them. Make sure that the climbing structure is secure, as passionfruits have been known to pull down things like wooden lattice or twine structures. 5. The passionfruit is ripe for picking when firm and in full blush, or in some cases when the skin starts to wrinkle. 6. Most passionfruit have these large showy blooms, so you'll be rewarded with this regardless of the variety you choose. Speak to your local plant nurseryman for their advice on the best variety for your needs. 7. You'll have more luck with a grafted plant than with seeds. With the right rootstock your plant will thrive. Watch for growth below the graft as this can get out of control. 8. I am finding it difficult to find where you might buy in Florida but you could start here: http://ecolage.safeshopper.com/59/cat59.htm?21 scroll down for passiflora or maybe eBay. That's all I have time for right now. Cheers Martin
They're available in every garden centre here in Vancouver, though I've not seen them sold for their fruiting qualities; they're mostly referred to as Passionflower and are sold as ornamental plants.
Wow, thanks a bunch for so much useful information, martinpribble. You have helped me so much! I am going to try growing an edible type, so that I can taste the passionfruit. I will make sure to eat in on ice cream for you! :) i am sure it is delicious. ~Devin~
Great info Martin, and very accuate. If you like the taste of Hawaiian Punch (you know, the grocery store kind, then you already like Passion Fruit. It is a principal ingredient for the tangy taste.
Oh, yes I have had Fruit Punch before....tastes great! Thanks again. But I still would like to taste the plant itself. Which part is edible?
Just the fruit. Like i said above, don't eat the skin as it is poisonous. Just scoop out the seeds and pulp.
You just got there before the fruit did! We used to have a wooden fence totally covered on both sides with this vine. After the flower forms a fruit will soon follow. It's worth the wait!
While we are on edible passion fruit here is an Aust/NZ icon using said pulp. Very sweet very yummy. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/txt/s1590154.htm Liz
Hey thanks for the site, Martin (may I call you that?). I will definitely keep checking those flowers till I see fruit and try that recipe. It looks delicious! Thanks again. ~ Devin ~