The History and Uses of Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial climbing vine native to parts of North, Central, and South America. Passionflower blooms from June to August, with purple and white flowers ranging from 2 to 3 inches across. This herb also produces a passion fruit. When ripe, the passion fruit is yellow-green and about the size of a small egg. The yellow pulp is sweet and aromatic.

Passionflower is said to have gotten its name from Jacomo Bosio, a 17th century monastic scholar. He believed the passionflower to be representative of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Passion refers to the passion, or suffering, of Christ; the plant's 5 stamens represent the wounds of Christ; the 72 corona filaments represent the number of thorns in Christ's crown; the petals represent the 10 true apostles; and the spotted underside of the leaf represent the 30 silver pieces paid to Judas to betray Jesus.