HERE'S MY FAVORITE TROPICAL FLOWER: HAPPY MACRO MONDAY

Passiflora vitifolia ~ Crimson Passion Flower

It was such a pretty day that we took a walk through the Houston Heights. The Heights is filled with small bungalows and many contain cottage gardens. This is only the second time I've seen Red Passion Flower here in Houston and it almost took my breath away. If you look closely, there's a ladybug underneath the petals.

Sadly, because this is not a native, the Gulf Fritillary butterfly skips over it when looking for host Passifloras.

If I'm wrong, please update me. These leaves seemed untouched by caterpillars.

To see more mighty MACROS, visit our gracious host, Lisa, at http://lisaschaos.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

David/:-)

Footnote: There are at least 4 scarlet/red Passifloras. My best guess is vitifolia since the leaves are 3 lobed and highly serrated, hence the name vitifolia...foliage like grape leaves.

Growth requirements: Is root hardy in zone 9 and easily grown in zones 10 and 11. Very vigorous in full sun and can even be considered invasive! Hundreds of flowers once vines are established. Fruit is edible in some species. Native to Central and South America. Passiflora miniata is also like this one, only with black interior spikes.