SafePlants

Bracted Passionflower (Passiflora affinis)

The Bracted Passionflower, scientifically known as Passiflora affinis, is a perennial vine admired for its unique flowers and role in attracting butterflies. It is native to specific regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico.

Considerations for Pets

• Passionflower produces extrafloral nectaries.
• The "stinking passionflower" has bracts covered in hairs that exude a sticky fluid.
• Some Passion Flower varieties feature "spiky and sticky bracts that can trap insects."
• This plant contains glandular bracts.

Considerations for Children

• Passionflower produces extrafloral nectaries.
• The "stinking passionflower" has bracts covered in hairs that exude a sticky fluid.
• Some Passion Flower varieties feature "spiky and sticky bracts that can trap insects."
• This plant contains glandular bracts.

Common Names

• Bracted Passionflower
• Passion Flower
• Passion Vine
• Passionvine
• Wild passionflower
• Maypop
• Apricot vine

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Passiflora affinis Engelm.
• Family: Passifloraceae (Passion-flower family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: The provided text mentions the existence of synonyms but doesn't explicitly list them.
• Related Species:
  • Passiflora anadenia Urb. (tropical passionflower)
  • Passiflora X belotii hort. ex Pepin (Belot's passionflower)
  • Passiflora alata Dryander
  • Passiflora antioquiensis Karsten
  • Passiflora berteriana Balbis ex DC Pasionaria-de-cercas

Distribution and Habitat

• The Bracted Passionflower (Passiflora affinis) is native to the southern part of the Edwards Plateau in Texas and extends into northern Mexico.
• It thrives in riparian to dry limestone areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a perennial vine, reaching 3 to 6 feet in length.
• It has three-lobed leaves.
• Grown Habit: Vine, Forb/herb.
• Duration: Perennial.

Ecological Role

• Passionflower vines attract butterflies, which lay eggs on the plant.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text indicates that Passiflora exhibits "Heliconius egg mimicry," where yellow egg-like structures or spots are present on leaves, stipules, bracts, tendrils, and growing tips.
• Some species have strange, spiky, and sticky bracts that trap insects.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Passiflora affinis.
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information.