The maypop occurs in thickets, disturbed areas, near riverbanks, and near unmowed pastures, roadsides, and railroads. incarnata its common name, as well as the fact that its roots can remain dormant for most of the winter underground and then the rest of the plant 'pops' out of the ground by May, unharmed by the snow. The egg-shaped green fruits 'may pop' when stepped on. In many cases its fruit is very popular with wildlife. As with other passifloras, it is the larval food of a number of lepidoptera species, including the zebra longwing, the Gulf fritillary, the crimson-patched longwing, the Julia, the Plebeian sphinx, and the variegated fritillary. The seeds are black and approximately 5 mm in size. The color of the pulp is originally white and becomes a dull yellow when ripe. Like other passifloras, the pulp is gelatinous and encases the seeds. The fleshy fruit, also referred to as a maypop, is an oval yellowish berry about the size of a hen egg it is green, though it may become yellow-green to yellow-orange as it matures. The flower normally begins to bloom in July. They are pollinated by insects such as bumblebees and carpenter bees, and are self-sterile. The large flower is typically arranged in a ring above the petals and sepals. They exhibit a white and purple corona, a structure of fine appendages between the petals and stamens. They have two characteristic glands at the base of the blade on the petiole that secrete drops of sweet nectar. Leaves are alternate and palmately 3-lobed and occasionally 5-lobed, measuring 6–15 centimetres (2.4–5.9 in). The stems can be smooth or pubescent they are long and trailing, possessing many tendrils. One of the hardiest species of passionflower, it is both found as a wildflower in the southern United States and in cultivation for its fruit and striking bluish purple blooms.ĭescription Passiflora incarnata

A member of the passionflower genus Passiflora, the maypop has large, intricate flowers with prominent styles and stamens. Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as maypop, purple passionflower, true passionflower, wild apricot, and wild passion vine, is a fast-growing perennial vine with climbing or trailing stems.

Small purple tree lexington ky