Note 18: The structure of a Passiflora flower - a Calvary lesson by Mark Hyde

The structure of a flower of Passiflora (Passion flower) is described using Passiflora subpeltata as an example

Photo: A flower of Passiflora subpeltata from Pleasant Valley Farm, Arcturus

Structure of the flower

The following notes may be helpful in understanding the structure.

To begin at the base of the flower, there are 5 petals and 5 sepals, alternating with each other. Superficially, they are quite similar but it may be seen from the picture that the sepals are slightly longer, have more green coloration and possess the slender "horn" which arises from the back just below the apex.

The next structure is the corona which consists of numerous filaments.

The stalk emerging from the middle of the corona bears both the male and female parts of the flowers and hence is known as an androgynophore.

At the apex of the androgynophore is the green ovary and at this point there are 5 greenish-yellow stamens.

At the apex of the ovary are 3 green styles bearing a stigma.

Calvary Lesson

The structure of the passion-flower is interpreted as follows:

• the 3 styles are the nails of the crucifixion;
• the 5 stamens are 5 wounds;
• the corona is the crown of thorns;
• the 5 petals and 5 sepals are the apostles (excluding Peter and Judas);
• the lobed leaves and tendrils are the hands and scourges of Christ's persecutors.

Mark Hyde