Passiflora Alata
Passiflora alata Dryand.
Passiflora alata is a spectacular passion flower with fragrant, large crimson and purple-striped blooms. Native to the Amazon, it produces sweet, highly prized edible fruits and features unique four-winged stems.
Passifloraceae (Passion Flower family)
Late summer to early fall (August-October), requires full sun exposure
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: passiflora caeruleas and jasmines also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Passion flowers derive their name from Spanish missionaries who saw Christian symbolism in the flower's structure: the corona representing the crown of thorns, five stamens for the five wounds, three stigmas for the nails, and ten petals for the faithful apostles. In Brazil, Passiflora alata is called "ouvaca" meaning "red star" due to its striking appearance. The eight-corona structure is unique among plants, symbolizing divine perfection and complexity. Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used passion flowers in traditional ceremonies and medicine.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade (full sun for best flowering)
Water
Water freely during growth; reduce watering in winter; maintain consistent moisture
Soil
Well-drained, Loamy, Sandy, Fertile, Peat-free
Expert Growing Tips
Allow branches to hang loose and droop for best flowering
Fruit forms 70-90 days after pollination
Requires hand pollination or mason bees for fruit set
Unique in having eight concentric coronas (most complex of all plants)
Keep frost-free; protect when temperatures drop below 41°F (5°C)
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Trellises, walls, fences, and arbors
- Wall-side borders and containers
- Cottage gardens and Mediterranean gardens
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Award-winning ornamental (RHS Award of Garden Merit)
Traditional Uses
- Fruit is highly prized for its sweet, fragrant pulp
- Seeds and pulp eaten fresh in Brazil
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Traditional use in calming teas (genus Passiflora known for calming properties)
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Passiflora Alata
What does Passiflora alata symbolize?
Passiflora alata symbolizes passion, faith, and Christian spirituality. Spanish missionaries saw the Passion of Christ in the flower's structure, with its corona representing the crown of thorns.
Is Passiflora alata fruit edible?
Yes, Passiflora alata produces large, sweet, edible fruits (3-6 inches long) that are highly prized in Brazil. The fruit is called fragrant granadilla and has a sweet, juicy pulp.
How many coronas does Passiflora alata have?
Passiflora alata is unique in having eight concentric coronas divided into five types, making it the most complex flower structure of any known plant species.
Why is Passiflora alata called winged-stem?
Passiflora alata is called winged-stem because it has distinctive four-winged stems. The specific epithet "alata" means "winged" in Latin, referring to this characteristic feature.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Passiflora Caerulea
Passiflora caerulea
Passiflora caerulea produces intricate blue and white flowers with elaborate corona filaments. It symbolizes faith, passion, and the sacred mysteries of life.
Jasmine
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Jasmine produces small, intensely fragrant white or yellow flowers. It symbolizes love, sensuality, spirituality, and is prized for its intoxicating scent.
Purple Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Purple Passionflower is a spectacular native vine with intricate, exotic flowers featuring purple and white petals, wavy filaments, and a distinctive corona. It produces edible fruits called maypops and serves as a crucial host plant for fritillary butterflies.