PASSION
FLOWER
(Passiflora incarnata)
maypop, passion vine, purple passion flower
Description:
A strong woody perennial climbing vine. Stems from 10-30 ft. long,
climbing by means of axillary tendrils. Leaves, cleft with 2-3
slightly toothed lobes. Solitary, axillary, white flowers with
a purple, blue or pink calyx crown have numerous threads radiating
from center. Fruits are egg- shaped, size of small chicken egg.
When stepped on they pop. Native to eastern and central U.S.,
often cultivated in cooler climates.
Edible,
Medicinal: The edible egg-shaped fruit contains a delicious
white pulp, made into refreshing drinks and ice creams. Antispasmodic,
diuretic, laxative, sedative. The whole plant is used to treat
swollen and irritated eyes, the root as a general tonic. Leaves
for a mild sedative, insomnia, anxiety, to prevent rapid heartbeat,
reduce high blood pressure, relieves the muscle spasm of asthma,
epilepsy and irritable bowel syndrome. A poultice soothes burns
and skin irritations. Harmful in large amounts. Use professionally
prepared medications.
