What is a Passion Flower?

A passion flower is the flower of the Passiflora plant, of which there are about 500 species. Most passion flowers grow on vines, but some Passiflora species are shrubs. The passion flower has an elaborate, exotic appearance, and its name refers to the Passion of Jesus Christ, as various elements of the flower are said to represent elements of Jesus' life. Many Passiflora plants also yield a tropical fruit known as passion fruit. Passion flower plants cover a wide geographical range, appearing in North and South America, Asia, and Australia. Africa features many plants in the Passifloraceae family, of which the passion flower plants are a member, although no Passiflora species grow there. Since the Victorian era, when the passion flower enjoyed significant popularity, many Passiflora hybrids have been created. While there are many different types of passion flower, ranging in color from pinks, purples, and reds to white and yellow shades, most have some notable elements in common. Ther ... more