I adore passion flowers and fruit, and we currently have a hardy specimen growing in our yard! No "Shy Violet", this one! There's a lot to know about these blooms, so I looked them up to be sure I had my information right! The first quote I read was that "...they are arguably one of the most unique specimens of flora on the planet"! I wouldn't argue with that! Nor that "...they're flamboyant and complicated!" A Spanish doctor discovered them in Peru in 1569 and they were called "Passion Flowers" as their components were attributed to the Passion of Christ. I found two contradicting symbols for the center stigma. They could be Christ and the two thieves on their crosses or the three spikes used to secure Jesus to the cross. There are ten petals that close around the blossom, said to represent the 10 faithful apostles. The purple corona represents the crown of thorns, and the tendrils are symbols of the whip used to lash Jesus.
I often get an education here as I look at others' photos and read the shared information. Even I learned more about this blossom than I knew before! The bloom will open and close again in 12 to 24 hours, and I hope to be drinking the fruit in a tropical-fruit smoothie in 80+ days!
I really can't believe you have something that gorgeous in your own backyard! How fabulous is that? Is it beautiful picture and a wonderful story thank you!
A pitty they can`t survive our winters often. There are so many lovely spieces. I did grow once one with flowers as +/- a feet dia. . Fav capture of yours.
@rich57 Richard, Hi! You're "a blast from the past!" 100% all is well around here, and all the better for having a run-in with you! I'll check out how you've been! Thanks!
