Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata (pronunciation: pas-uh-FLOR-uh in-kar-NAY-tuh), also known as Purple Passionflower or Maypop, is a perennial vine of the family Passifloraceae. The plant is native to the southeastern parts of the United States and is known for its large, intricate flowers and edible fruit.
Etymology
The name Passiflora incarnata is derived from the Latin words passio meaning "passion" and flos meaning "flower". The term incarnata means "flesh-colored" in Latin, referring to the color of the flowers.
Description
Passiflora incarnata is a fast-growing vine that can reach lengths of up to 6 meters. The leaves are three-lobed and finely toothed. The flowers are large, up to 9 cm in diameter, with a white and purple corona. The fruit, commonly known as a Maypop, is a yellowish berry containing numerous seeds.
Medicinal Uses
Passiflora incarnata has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its sedative and calming properties and is often used to treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and nervous disorders. The plant contains several active compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which contribute to its medicinal properties.
Related Terms
- Passifloraceae: The plant family to which Passiflora incarnata belongs.
- Maypop: The common name for the fruit of the Passiflora incarnata plant.
- Flavonoids: A group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cell signalling pathways and antioxidant effects.
- Alkaloids: Naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Passiflora incarnata
- Wikipedia's article - Passiflora incarnata
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