Passiflora morifolia

Passiflora morifolia

Passiflora morifolia ( sometimes referred to as Maulbeerblättrige Passionflower or Passiflora Maulbeerbaumblättrige ) is a plant species of the extensive genus of approximately 460 species of passion flower (Passiflora ), the largest genus within the Passion flower plants ( Passifloraceae ).

Description

Passiflora morifolia is a perennial climbing plant that can reach up to 12 m height. The slightly hairy leaves are three-to five-lobed, usually 3.5 to 10 cm long, cut to serrated and somewhat reminiscent of mulberry leaves (hence the species name: lat = morifolius maulbeerblättrig ).

The flowers are relatively small with a diameter between 2.5 and 3.5 cm compared to many other class representatives. The white petals surround a single row white halo, which has a broad purple-violet zone. As usual with the passion flower, the reproductive organs ( five stamens and three stigmas ) as Androgynophor are combined into one, the perianth far superior column.

Since the flowers are self-fertile, blue-violet fruits are regularly trained, reminiscent in shape and size (up to about 4 cm in length) strongly plums, but are not considered edible. The seeds inside them are surrounded by intense orange-red aril tissue.

Dissemination

The distribution area of Passiflora morifolia located in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and neighboring Brazil. Individual deposits are located in Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Others

Passiflora morifolia is often cultivated in butterfly houses, as it is a very suitable food plant for many caterpillars of the genus Heliconius. Because of their relatively small claims they can be kept in the room.