One of my all time favorite flowers is the Passion Flower. I first saw it on a magazine cover when I was in the 4th grade. I believe that magazine was Texas Highways. I am lucky enough to have it now growing around my property and my neighbors' properties.
There are many uses for this beautiful flowering vine. You can make medicinal teas from the leaves, flower and root that are used to treat everything from insomnia to epilepsy (however, please consult a professional before trying to self medicate). The passion fruit grows on this vine but there were none on it as it is too early in the season. Bugs apparently like it too as you can see there are several on it in the picture.
The story behind the passion flower is that Spanish Missionaries discovered it and said that it reminded them of the crucifixion of Jesus. The 3 "stigmata" represent the 3 nails. The 10 petals represent the 10 "faithful" apostles. The purple area you see in the picture represents the crown of thorns. The 5 yellowish anthers represent 5 wounds. So, when we look at this flower we are reminded of the sacrifice that was made for us. I can't think of a better way to describe it but other countries/states have thought of other names and descriptions for it.
In Japan they call it the clock flower. In Tennessee it is called Ocoee. In some states it is called the Maypop. I like to be reminded of Christ's sacrifice so I will just call it the Passion Flower.
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Great Pictures
Nice.
Thank you Marsha and Christina
Wonderful pictures Cheri', thank you for sharing.
Cheri, I have never seen, or maybe 'noticed,' this flower before. I love your description of how the flower represents the Passion of Christ and will be on the lookout for the flower. Thanks
It grows wild here outside of Houston where I live. It likes to get all tangled in other plants, climb trees, etc. It's a vine. If you don't explore while it's blooming you will miss it. The one in the picture is already gone and won't be back until next spring. The fruit is all that is left for another month or so.
Cheri, Lately my Dad has been talking a lot about. After looking at your pictures, I can see what he is so enthused about. The flowers look so intricate and fragile. You took some great pictures.
Thank you. It's hard to get decent pictures with a cheap camera. lol.
Cheri - What beautiful photo's and story to go along with the Passion Flower. Several years ago Ceil had a Passion Flower, don't know what happened to the plants, she only had it one season, but I do rememer how beautiful it was. I think the deer ate it like they eat everything else we plant. I'm going to see if I can find another for her.
Congratulations and thank you for entering your photo's in the contest.
God Bless Texas!
Cheri', this is by far about the most beautiful flower I have ever seen! And, what a beautiful story that goes with it. You got awesome shots of that beauty. Really, really, thank you for sharing this with us.
What camera are you using? It's amazing. Later in the rain~Deb
Thank you. It was a cheap Kodak Easyshare camera.
Cheri, Congratulations on the contest. I don't think I've ever seen the passion flower. It's beautiful!! Thank you for sharing it with us.