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The Passion Flower Botanical name: Passifloria Incarnarnata From the family Passifloraceae The naming of this climbing plant is attributed to the Christian missionaries in South America in the 17th century, which thought that the interesting arrangement of the petals reminded them of the forms used at the crucifixion of Christ. The flower shows the Crown of Thorns (corona filaments), white with a blood red or purple tinge, suggesting the ‘Scourge with which our Lord was tormented’. The colour red symbolises sacrifice and suffering, purple hues denote meditation, while white symbolises purity. There are seventy-two filaments and according to tradition is the number of thorns set in the crown of thorns placed on his head. The three nails (stigma) are in clear green coming from the centre of the crown at the top of the column, which is surrounded, by the crown of thorns. The colour green symbolises hope and eternal life. In between, near the base of the column there are five spots or stains (stamens) denoting the five wounds Our Lord received on the cross. The many leaves shaped like spearheads of the kind that pierced his side. While the underside of the leaf is marked with dark round spots signifying the pieces of silver, that Judas was paid to betray Christ. For many centuries, the healing properties of plants has been recognised. The leaves of the Passifloria are believed to be beneficial as the plant contains alkaloids, which is claimed to produce a feeling of calm, being particularly useful for relieving muscle tension due to anxiety. Also, in cases of travel sickness, it is said to help to reduce the disturbance of the nervous system. It is also a remedy for nervous insomnia. An infusion of tea 18
consisting of measured amounts of leaves and water is recommended to be taken at night. It is not advised to be taken by pregnant women as the infusion could have a stimulating effect on the muscles of the womb. The Passifloria caerulea thrives best against a sheltered sunny wall, flowering from June to September. It does well in any reasonable well-drained soil. The fragrant flowers are up to 4” or 10 cms. across and are distinctive in appearance in a lovely array of white and purple/blue shades, providing a spectacular show. There is also an ivory and white variety named Constance Elliott. Alethea Fielding Liverpool Branch 19
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