Interactions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The purple passion flower is a primary producer.  Therefore, Passiflora incarnata L.  is a food source for many types of insects including the carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus); above right, and the Tropical sod webworm moth; (Herpetogramma phaeopteralis); above left.

The purple passion flower's vines and leaves are hosts for many species of butterfly larvae like the Zebra Longwing butterfly and the Banded Hairstreak butterfly.  Adult butterflies also use the nectar from the flowers for food. 

Humans also use the passion flower's many advantages.  For example, the passion flower produces edible fruit during the summer months.  These fruits are used for juices, preserves and also fresh fruit.  The shoots and leaves of the flower can also be used for making salads.  Since this plant grows extremely fast, it provides a large amount of shade.  Therefore, many people use it by patios to help block out the sun.  Humans have also found several ways to use the plants leaves, shoots, etc. for medicinal purposes.

Find out more about these medicinal purposes now!