Passiflora incarnata L.

Purple Passion Flower; Maypops

Vine

Perennial

Vascular

Maypop is a native perennial herbaceous vine in the Passion-Flower family (Passifloraceae). It is one of two species of Passion-vine native to Alabama. Maypops can be found statewide in Alabama. It can be found on roadsides, in forest clearings, and in old fields and waste areas. Maypop climbs by tendrils. The leaves are alternate and three lobed. At the base of each leaf are two extra-floral nectaries. These are glands that secrete a sugary fluid similar to nectar, but not associated with the flowers. The purpose of these glands is to attract ants. The ants feed on the nectar and help defend the Maypop from herbivores. The large blue and white flowers have a distinctive corona (crown) of filaments. The fruit of Maypop is a fleshy berry that turns yellow as it ripens. It contains many seed, each surrounded by a fluid filled sac. The fruit are edible, and when ripe quite sweet. The exterior of the fruit turns a lemon yellow color when it is mature. Maypop vines are the only larval food for the Gulf Fritillary butterfly. Maypops require full sun for best growth. They do well in average soil and moisture conditions. Support should be provided for them to climb on. Plants can be grown from seed or rooted from cuttings.--A. Diamond

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Native

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