While visiting Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge in White County recently, Theresa and I spotted a purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) blooming beside the road. These flowers, with their otherworldly beauty and intricate design, have a rich history and hidden treasures in the form of delicious fruit.
The Story Behind the Flower
Known as “maypop” in the South, the purple passionflower’s striking appearance has inspired tales for centuries. Early Christian missionaries gave it its name, seeing in the complex structure a symbol of Christ’s Passion. The 10 petals and sepals were said to represent the apostles (excluding Peter and Judas), while the tendrils symbolized the whips used during the flagellation of Christ. The central column’s three stigmas and five anthers were seen as symbols of the nails and wounds of the Crucifixion. The corona, made up of long round filaments that are crinkly near the ends, represents the Crown of Thorns.
A Closer Look at the Flower
The purple passionflower’s blooms are marvels of nature. With purple and white filaments surrounding the reproductive structures, the flower looks almost alien in its detail. It’s a striking contrast to the simple green vines on which they grow. In Arkansas, the plants grow statewide and can be found on roadsides, in disturbed areas, along stream banks and in overgrown pastures. The purple passionflower was narrowly defeated by the apple blossom in a vote for the Arkansas state flower in 1901.
Edible Fruit and Practical Uses
Beyond its beauty, Passiflora incarnata produces fruit known as maypops—small, round and typically green when ripe. These fruits are edible, with a flavor often described as a cross between passionfruit and guava. You can enjoy them fresh off the vine or incorporate them into recipes like jellies or desserts. The leaves can be used to make calming herbal teas. In addition to being a treat for humans, the plant’s foliage also supports pollinators like Gulf Fritillary and Variegated Fritillary butterflies.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the purple passionflower by the roadside was a reminder of nature’s ability to surprise us. Whether you’re captivated by the legends surrounding its blooms or tempted by its sweet fruit, this plant is a true treasure of the Arkansas countryside.
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