A Passionflower nodding out of a peach tree?
How could that be?
A wider perspective
What an amazing vine, and what a beautiful surprise so late in the season. Passiflora incarnata is naturalized all over the southeastern United States. This perennial vine has had a phenomenal season, growing many many feet to first cover the deer fence, and now climb the peach tree.
The plant, dried, has been used to make tea. It has a calming effect and can help treat insomnia.
Native Americans and early settlers ate the fruit out of hand as you might an apple. The fruit is still enjoyed today. It is sometimes made into juice, and that juice can be cooked into jam and jelly. Mostly, its flower brings a smile with its wild form and bright colors. Especially when its found peeking out of a peach tree.
A serendipity: A happy, unexpected surprise.
All photos by Woodland Gnome 2013
The
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Forest Garden 
Pretty neat, WG! That last flower looks to be the size of your hand? Whoa!
A hardy har-har smiling bloom and far-reaching vine — just my kind of goddess. 😉
😉 These flowers are truly “cosmic.” That bloom was between 4 and 5″ across- and so intricate. Wish you could see one up close and personal 😉
I have not see the Passionflower in a long time. When we lived in Florida they grew wild ever where.
Michael
Hilton Head Large Birds
They should do really well in SC, Michael. I purchased ours at a farmer’s market 4 years ago. It was slow to get going, but has taken off now. Have you eaten it? We keep watching for fruit, but we’re still looking. Am wondering whether 2 separate vines are needed for fruit to set, like with Kiwis.
I have not eaten it, I have seen them and they didn’t look appealing to me.
😉 I’ve had juice blends with the juice included, but the photos don’t look appetizing to me, either. Guess it depends on how hungry you are and what you’re fed when young. I’m still curious and hope to find one.
How exciting that you have a peach tree. Do you get a lot of fruit?
If only- the squirrels get to all of it before it has a chance to mature-