281' FLORA DOMESTICA. 



PASSION-FLOWER. 



PASSIFLORA. 



PASSIFLORE^. GYNANDRIA PENTANDRIA. 



The Passion-flower derives its name from an idea, that all the in- 

 struments of Christ's passion are represented in it. — French, le grena- 

 dille; fleur de la passion.— //a/<a«, granadiglia; fiore della passione. 



Most of the Passion-flowers are natives of the hottest 

 parts of America, and require a stove in this country. It 

 is a beautiful genus. The rose-coioured Passion-flower 

 is a native of Virginia, and is the species which was first 

 known in Europe. It has since been in great measure 

 superseded by the blue Passion-flower, which is hardy 

 enough to flower in the open air, and makes an elegant 

 tapestry for an unsightly wall. The leaves of this, in the 

 autumn, are of the most brilliant crimson ; and, when the 

 sun is shining upon them, seem to transport one to the 

 Gardens of Pluto. 



The Rose-coloured, however, is better adapted for pots ; 

 and, if sheltered from frost, will thrive without artificial 

 heat. In mild weather it may be allowed fresh air, and in 

 the summer will enjoy a full exposure to it. The flowers 

 are purple and white ; very handsome, and sweet, but very 

 short-lived ; opening in the morning, and fading in the 

 evening. 



The fruit is about the size of an Orlean-plumb : when 

 ripe, it is of a pale orange-colour, and encloses many rough 

 seeds, lying in a sweet pulp. The fruit of some kinds is 

 eatable, and in the West Indies much esteemed. It varies 

 in size from that of an olive to that of a large melon. 



The fruit of the Laurel-leaved Passion-flower, or Water- 

 lemon, contains a sweet and tasteful juice, which is ex- 

 tremely fragrant. The West Indians suck this juice 

 through a hole in the rind. The French call this species 



