172. VINES 
and its supposed symbolism, is the passion- 
flower (Passiflora sp.). It has stood for years 
as the flower emblematic of the crucifixion of 
Christ, and, in the peculiar formation of its 
blossoms, bears out to a remarkable degree this 
curious interpretation assigned to it when in 1610 
it was brought to the notice of Europeans. 
The plant is, frankly speaking, more novelty 
than standard, because of the scant production 
of its flowers which are remarkable in colour and 
formation. 
The passion-flower requires the treatment ordi- 
narily offered greenhouse vines, but will stand 
a temperature as low as 50°. The soil should 
not be so rich as to cause excessively luxuriant 
growth, any lack of food being made up in appli- 
cations of liquid manure during the period of 
growth. All tendrils should be removed and the 
plant trained artificially. Very little pruning 
should be practised, as the flowers develop from 
mature wood. For this reason the vine should 
never be planted save in large houses, where it 
will have the unrestricted space essential for 
successful flower production. 
The best species is Passiflora alata. Its flowers, 
crimson, varied with purple and white, measuring 
six or seven inches across, are produced in late 
