This exotÂic-lookÂing flower is a pasÂsion flower. Although it looks like it should be growÂing in the tropÂics, this species is native to Kentucky. They are vine-growÂing and can take over an area if left alone. The plant has some medÂiÂcÂiÂnal uses, and the flowÂers set an ediÂble fruit about the size of a lemon.
Passion flowÂers have been bloomÂing at our place for sevÂerÂal weeks already. This one was growÂing down the front of our old stone root celÂlar and was illuÂmiÂnatÂed by the last light of the day.
Several types of bees gathÂer pollen and necÂtar from them. The necÂtar, if overindulged, can have an intoxÂiÂcatÂing effect on the bees. We have observed them seemÂingÂly disÂoriÂentÂed, and then falling asleep on the flowers.
