Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Passionflower

This climbing shrub is native to the tropical parts of the United States from Virginia to Florida and westward to Missouri and Arkansas. The name comes translated from Italian- fiore della passione- in reference to the flower’s resemblance to the implements of the crucifixion. It does produce a mesmerizing and beautiful yet delicate flower which develops into a large oval fleshy fruit. The Eclectic Physicians used it to promote healthy sleep, especially where restlessness, wakefulness and interrupted sleep were the chief complaints due to debility or exhaustion. The whole plant is used to make medicine, yet the stem and leaves seem to have the highest amount of chemical activity.