Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata

Habitat
    Eastern N. American native perennial vine. Virginia and Kentucky, south to Florida and Texas. Found growing in sandy thickets and open fields, roadsides, fence rows and waste places. Cultivation: Passionflower is easily cultivated through root division or by seed, transplants from the wild do well, it requires a well-drained soil, sandy slightly acid soil in full sun. A trellis should be provided, since it is a tendril climbing vine. Passionflower has many beautiful large and aromatic flowers, it grows very quickly and produces edible fruit and medicinal uses.

Passionflower is used as an alternative medicine in the treatment of insomnia, nervous tension, irritability, neuralgia, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual tension and vaginal discharges. An infusion of the plant depresses the motor nerves of the spinal cord, making it very valuable in the treatment of back pain. The infusion is also sedative, slightly reduces blood pressure and increases respiratory rate. The herb contains alkaloids and flavonoids that are an effective non-addictive sedative that does not cause drowsiness. It is of great service in epilepsy. The plant is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Folklore
  The name Passionflower refers to the passion of Christ: the 3 stamens represent his wounds, and the 12 petals represent the apostles. Passionflower fruit is sweet and aromatic.