Passion flowers, scientifically known as Passiflora, are also called Passion Vines. In India, these flowers are also called 'Jhumko Lata' flowers. These plants are very often found in the form of flowering vines but some species also grow as shrubs and bushes.
They are a fascinating group of plants renowned for their exotic blooms and countless varieties. All varieties of the Passion Flower are rather unusual-looking and some even have very distinct smells that leave them fresh in your memories long after you have seen them.
Passion Flowers have different bloom times in different parts of India. In Northern India, they bloom from June to August whereas in Southern India their bloom time lasts from December to February.
• These are the Various Jhumko Lata or Passion Flower Types:
1. Bluecrown Passionflower or Blue Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea):
The Bluecrown Passionflower is one of the better known Passion Flower types. Scientifically named Passiflora caerulea, it is a captivating vine recognized for and by its striking blue and white flowers.
Native to South America, it is known for its memorable, three-lobed leaves and beautiful blossoms that add a touch of exotic beauty.
While it may produce small, inedible fruits, its main appeal lies in its aesthetic charm, which makes it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. The Blue Passion flower also serves as a host for butterflies.
2. Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata):
The Purple Passion plant is known for its enchanting deep purple blooms and fringed crown. Passiflora incarnata, or Purple Passionflower, is a captivating vine and it thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight.
It is renowned for its natural calming effects, making it a popular remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and stress. The Purple Passion plant contains compounds that act as mild sedatives, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Purple Passion Flowers are also known as Krishna Kamal in India.
Read More - Why is this plant known As Krishna Kamal?
3. Passion Fruit Vine (Passiflora edulis):
This Passion Flower Vine is called the Passion Fruit Vine, otherwise scientifically known as Passiflora edulis also. It is a fast-growing, climbing plant renowned for its exotic and aromatic fruit - the Passion Fruit.
Native to South America, this perennial vine features distinctive leaves and intricate, fragrant flowers.
The fruit of this Passiflora plant is round or oval, with a tough outer covering that encases juicy, seed-filled pulp.
4. Stinking Passionflower (Passiflora foetida):
Scientifically known as Passiflora foetida, the Stinking Passionflower plant is probably the only stinky Passion Flower varieties is a very unique species within the passionflower family.
It is native to the Americas and grows as a trailing passion flower vine. You can recognize it by its unique three-lobed leaves and greenish-yellow flowers.
You may think that its unpleasant odor makes it repulsive but many consume the the fruit produced by the Stinking Passionflower in traditional medicine.
This hardy, fast-growing Passiflora plant adapts to various climates and serves as a brilliant host for butterfly larvae.
5. Sweet Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis):
The Passiflora ligularis is native to South America. Also a vigorous climber, the Sweet Granadilla grows fragrant white flowers around its lobed leaves.
It produces a round to oval fruit that has a tough, smooth rind that contains a jelly-like, juicy pulp filled with black seeds.
With a taste reminiscent of a blend of passion fruit and pear, Sweet Granadilla is a popular choice for fresh consumption or in desserts.
6. Winged-stem Passion Flower (Passiflora alata):
Called the Winged-stem for its unique winged stems, this variety of Passion Flowers is called Passiflora alata scientifically.
Hailing from Central and South America like many other Passion Flower varieties, it bears large, showy blooms with striking purple and white petals.
The plant is appreciated for its ornamental value in gardens and attracts various pollinators. The Winged-Stem Passion Flower plant doesn't typically produce edible fruit like some other passionflowers, so it is cultivated for its aesthetic appeal and other ecological benefits.
7. Banana Passionfruit (Passiflora tarminiana):
The Banana Passionfruit, scientifically known as Passiflora tarminiana, is a tropical passion flower vine renowned for its distinctive elongated, yellow fruit resembling a small banana.
Native to South America, this climber features big, lobed leaves and fragrant, delicate flowers. The fruit has a thin, smooth skin and is filled with aromatic, sweet-tart pulp containing numerous black seeds.
Widely enjoyed for its unique flavor, Banana Passionfruit is not only a culinary delight but is also beloved for its ornamental qualities and aesthetic appeal.
8. Grape-leaved Passion Flower (Passiflora vitifolia):
The Grape-leaved Passion Flower is scientifically called Passiflora vitifolia. It is a captivating vine known for its leaves resembling grape leaves.
Native to South America, it bears stunning, intricate flowers with purple and white hues. While this Passiflora plant may not produce edible fruit, its distinctive foliage and vibrant blooms contribute to its popularity among enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
9. Water Lemon (Passiflora laurifolia):
Passiflora laurifolia, commonly known as the "Water Lemon" or "Yellow Passion Fruit," is a tropical vine beloved for its flavorful fruit. This passion fruit variety thrives in warm climates and is beloved for its culinary and aesthetic uses.
Native to Central and South America, it produces round to oval fruits with a smooth yellow covering and juicy, aromatic pulp. The sweet-tart taste makes it popular and its vines are often valued for their ornamental qualities.
10. Yellow Passionflower (Passiflora lutea):
The Yellow Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora lutea, is a delicate, captivating, and aesthetic vine native to the southeastern United States.
It does not produce any edible fruit but it is well-known for its delicate yellow flowers. The plant's intricate blooms and slender vines make it a popular choice for ornamental gardening.
The Yellow Passionflower contributes to local biodiversity by serving as a host for various butterfly larvae.
After knowing about these Passion Flower varieties, if you feel the need to grow Passionflower plants in your backyard, the next piece of information is for you.
• Knowing About The Care of Passion Flower Plant:
a. Sunlight:
Most passion flowers thrive in full sunlight, ensuring robust growth and vibrant blooms.
b. Soil:
Well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is ideal for these plants.
c. Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
d. Pruning:
Regular pruning helps control growth, enhances flowering, and maintains an attractive shape.
e. Fertilization:
Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy development.
With better knowledge about what each individual Passion flower plant needs and how to provide them with it, you will be able to grow these plants in your gardens with ease.
Not only can some of them provide you with nutritious and delicious fruits, but also all of them hold high aesthetic value, and can make your ornamental display look that much more vibrant and wonderful.
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