Sunday, November 6, 2011

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.

9 comments:

  1. So very beautiful!!! Gorgeous colors! WOW!

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  2. Wow! That is a really pretty flower! I can see why it is one of your favorites!

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  3. This scarlet passion flower is magnificent. Too bad it would not survive in through the cold and frigid winters here in the Virginia mountains. Your macro shot is awesome...full of detail and color. After 45 minutes my thumbnail has not gone up on the Macro Monday site so here is the link to my post. Genie

    http://climbingthedigitalmountain.blogspot.com/2011/11/weekend-in-black-and-white-11-4-11.html

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  4. A really beautiful flower. And I like the ladybug!

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  5. So pretty! I've seen the white and purple passion flowers but not red...

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  6. It's a beauty and deserves a place int he spotlight.

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  7. I love the red. So different than the purple ones. Eye-catching!

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  8. Stunning! What a beautiful flower and I love that you captured the little ladybug hidden under the petals.

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  9. Gorgeous flower - love the shape & color.

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I always appreciate your comments & questions! Happy Gardening from David/ Tropical Texana