More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Flowers of Zihuatanejo
Stinking Passionflower
Passiflora foetida
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Nances, Willows, and Allies (Order Malpighiales)
-Passionfruit Family (Family Passifloraceae)
-Subfamily Passifloroideae
-Tribe Passifloreae
-Passionflowers (Genus Passiflora)
-Typical Passionflowers (Subgenus Passiflora)
-Section Dysosmia
-Stinking Passionflower (Passiflora foetida)
The generic name Passiflora refers to the supposed relativity of the separate parts of the flower to the death and passion of Christ; the specific name relates to the odorous resin present in the sticky glandular hairs on many parts of the plant. Found throughout central and South America. The fruit is globose, 2–3 cm diameter, yellowish-orange to red when ripe, and has numerous black seeds embedded in the pulp; the fruit are eaten and the seeds dispersed by birds. Passiflora foetida is able to trap insects on its bracts, which exude a sticky substance that also contains digestive enzymes. This minimizes predation on young flowers and fruits.[7] Whether or not it gains nourishment from its prey is uncertain, and it is considered a protocarnivorous plant.
Description
• Passiflora foetida, commonly known as stinking passionflower or wild maracuja, is a climbing vine in the passionflower family, Passifloraceae. It has slender, hairy stems, deeply divided leaves, and intricate flowers with white to pale pink petals surrounded by a distinctive fringe of thread-like filaments. Its developing flower buds and fruits are enclosed in finely divided, lacy bracts. The rounded fruits turn yellow to orange when ripe and contain numerous seeds surrounded by edible pulp. The plant’s foliage can release an unpleasant odour when crushed.
Range
• Passiflora foetida is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and has become naturalized in many other warm regions worldwide. It is established in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This vine grows in sunny or partly shaded disturbed areas, including roadsides, forest edges, scrubland, open fields, and coastal vegetation. It climbs over shrubs and other plants using tendrils and grows readily in warm climates, particularly where moisture is available during the rainy season. Its fruits provide food for wildlife, while its dense, sprawling growth can cover surrounding vegetation.