Passionflower

Botanical Name:
Passiflora incarnata L.
Native to South America, this climbing shrub can grow as high as 9m. and is widely cultivated throughout Europe. It produces wonderful showy flowers with petals surrounded by a crown of pink or violate filaments,and large stamens with orange coloured sacs.

It takes its name from the Italian "fiore della passione" referring to the flower's resemblance to Christ's crucifixon - the stamens are thought to represent the wounds of Christ, the filaments, the crown of thorns and the petals the apostles.

Passionflower was valued by Native Americans mainly for its ability to heal bruises and wounds. Later herbal practitioners valued the plant for its calming, sedative and pain-relieving actions, and it has been used over the years for anxiety, fatigue, insomnia,muscle spasms, seizures,hysteria and hyperactivity in children.

Sounds like a wonderful "cure all" plant!

This one is being grown by our eldest grandson, and although he only bought it a month ago is romping away in a large pot.
I hope it survives the winter.

Lovely summer day again. (just had a heavy shower!)
Off to friends for a barbecue. (if it stays fine) or eating inside.

Watched last nights opening ceremony, which was amazing, especially the lighting of the flame at the end. Awsome!!

I'm afraid although a great fan of Sir P. he needs to call it a day.