Passiflora vitifolia a native to Central America. A sturdy and vigorous plant that soon covers a sizeable section of the Orchid and Cycad glasshouse it is growing in. The specific epithet gives a clue to the foliage shape; resembling that of a Vitis. Tightly wound tendrils in the leaf axils gain support for the long scandent growth from adjacent plants.

The genus Passiflora has flowers of intricate shape. These are like three dimensional puzzles; when fully formed it is scarcely believable that all of the flower parts are capable of fitting within the bud. Within the base of the flower beneath the profusion of white filaments, which form the corona, is a reservoir of sweet nectar.

Passiflora vitifolia. Photo by Tony Garn

Passiflora vitifolia

Passiflora vitifolia. Photo by Tony Garn

Passiflora vitifolia