Difference between revisions of "Passiflora"
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Passiflora (i. e., passion flower). Including Disemma and Tacsonia. | Passiflora (i. e., passion flower). Including Disemma and Tacsonia. | ||
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Passifloraceae. PassionFlower. Highly interesting herbs, shrubs, or | Passifloraceae. PassionFlower. Highly interesting herbs, shrubs, or | ||
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trees, most of the cultivated kinds climbing by means of tendrils, | trees, most of the cultivated kinds climbing by means of tendrils, | ||
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with flowers of odd structure; some of them produce edible fruits. | with flowers of odd structure; some of them produce edible fruits. | ||
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Mostly vines, but some species erect: lvs. alternate, rarely | Mostly vines, but some species erect: lvs. alternate, rarely | ||
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opposite, the petiole usually gland-bearing, the blade entire, | opposite, the petiole usually gland-bearing, the blade entire, | ||
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digitately lobed or parted, stipules sometimes present: tendrils | digitately lobed or parted, stipules sometimes present: tendrils | ||
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(sometimes wanting) lateral, simple: fls. solitary or racemose, | (sometimes wanting) lateral, simple: fls. solitary or racemose, | ||
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mostly axillary, on articulated and often 3-bracted peduncles, mostly | mostly axillary, on articulated and often 3-bracted peduncles, mostly | ||
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hermaphrodite, with colors in yellow, green, blue and red, often | hermaphrodite, with colors in yellow, green, blue and red, often | ||
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large and showy; calyx with short tube (also with long tube when | large and showy; calyx with short tube (also with long tube when | ||
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Tacsonia is included), the lobes or petals 4 or 5 and narrow, often | Tacsonia is included), the lobes or petals 4 or 5 and narrow, often | ||
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colored inside, bearing on the throat a simple double or triple showy | colored inside, bearing on the throat a simple double or triple showy | ||
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fringe or crown; petals 4 or 5 (sometimes wanting, or 3), attached on | fringe or crown; petals 4 or 5 (sometimes wanting, or 3), attached on | ||
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the calyx-throat; stamens 4 or 5, the filaments joined into a tube in | the calyx-throat; stamens 4 or 5, the filaments joined into a tube in | ||
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which is the gynophore or stalk of the ovary, the anthers | which is the gynophore or stalk of the ovary, the anthers | ||
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linear-oblong and versatile; ovary oblong or nearly globular, with 3 | linear-oblong and versatile; ovary oblong or nearly globular, with 3 | ||
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styles and 3 many-ovuled parietal placentae: fr. large or small, | styles and 3 many-ovuled parietal placentae: fr. large or small, | ||
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berry-like, many-seeded, oblong or globular; seeds flat, mostly | berry-like, many-seeded, oblong or globular; seeds flat, mostly | ||
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ovate, with a fleshy aril.—Species probably 250-300. By some, the | ovate, with a fleshy aril.—Species probably 250-300. By some, the | ||
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genus Tacsonia is separated from Passiflora, but it is here combined; | genus Tacsonia is separated from Passiflora, but it is here combined; | ||
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it differs in having an elongated rather than very short calyx-tube | it differs in having an elongated rather than very short calyx-tube | ||
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or hypanthium; Andean species. See Tacsonia. | or hypanthium; Andean species. See Tacsonia. | ||
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With the exception of a few Malayan, Chinese and Australian species, | With the exception of a few Malayan, Chinese and Australian species, | ||
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the true passifloras are natives of tropical America, some of them in | the true passifloras are natives of tropical America, some of them in | ||
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the subtropical and warm temperate parts. Many of them are cultivated | the subtropical and warm temperate parts. Many of them are cultivated | ||
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as curiosities, and some of them for the beauty of their flowers and | as curiosities, and some of them for the beauty of their flowers and | ||
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for their festooning foliage. The fruit is of many kinds, in most | for their festooning foliage. The fruit is of many kinds, in most | ||
− | + | cases not edible. The ovary is supported on a long stalk, which is inclosed in or usually united with the tube formed by the union of the bases of the filaments. The structure of the fruit is well shown in Fig. 2768; the remains of the floral envelopes have broken from the attachment on the torus and rest on the fruit. A dozen passifloras occur in the United States, and one of them, P. lutea, grows naturally as far north as southern Pennsylvania and Illinois. From Virginia south, the Maypop, P. incarnata, is a very common plant in fields and waste places. Both these species are herbaceous perennials. | |
− | cases not edible. The ovary is | ||
− | supported on a long stalk, which is inclosed in or usually united | ||
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− | with the tube formed by the union of the bases of the filaments. The | ||
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− | structure of the fruit is well shown in Fig. 2768; the remains of the | ||
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− | floral envelopes have broken from the attachment on the torus and | ||
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− | rest on the fruit. A dozen passifloras occur in the United States, | ||
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− | and one of them, P. lutea, grows naturally as far north as southern | ||
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− | Pennsylvania and Illinois. From Virginia south, the Maypop, P. | ||
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− | incarnata, is a very common plant in fields and waste places. Both | ||
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− | these species are herbaceous perennials. | ||
In cultivation, the passifloras have been considerably hybridized, | In cultivation, the passifloras have been considerably hybridized, | ||
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and they are also confused with Tacsonia. In 1871 Masters enumerated | and they are also confused with Tacsonia. In 1871 Masters enumerated | ||
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184 species (Trans. Linn. Soc. 27), but many species have been | 184 species (Trans. Linn. Soc. 27), but many species have been | ||
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discovered since that time. Most of the passion-flowers are yellow or | discovered since that time. Most of the passion-flowers are yellow or | ||
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green in color of envelopes, but there are fine reds in P. racemosa, | green in color of envelopes, but there are fine reds in P. racemosa, | ||
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P. Raddiana,P. coccinea, P. alata,P. vitifolia, and others. The | P. Raddiana,P. coccinea, P. alata,P. vitifolia, and others. The | ||
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species known to gardeners are few, although many kinds are or have | species known to gardeners are few, although many kinds are or have | ||
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been in cultivation by fanciers and in collections. They usually | been in cultivation by fanciers and in collections. They usually | ||
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require much rafter room in greenhouses. According to G. W. Oliver, | require much rafter room in greenhouses. According to G. W. Oliver, | ||
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P. caerulea and Constance Elliott are both hardy at Washington. Not | P. caerulea and Constance Elliott are both hardy at Washington. Not | ||
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many of the tender species and hybrids are grown to any great extent | many of the tender species and hybrids are grown to any great extent | ||
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in this country. P. alata and P. quadrangularis are desirable | in this country. P. alata and P. quadrangularis are desirable | ||
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climbers for a roomy warm greenhouse. P. quadrangularis var. | climbers for a roomy warm greenhouse. P. quadrangularis var. | ||
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variegata seems to flower quite as freely as the green- leaved one. | variegata seems to flower quite as freely as the green- leaved one. | ||
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Passifloras are propagated from cuttings of the half-ripened growth, | Passifloras are propagated from cuttings of the half-ripened growth, | ||
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with bottom heat. P. racemosa and P. Loudonii are a trifle difficult | with bottom heat. P. racemosa and P. Loudonii are a trifle difficult | ||
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to root from cuttings; the growths should be as ripe as possible for | to root from cuttings; the growths should be as ripe as possible for | ||
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this purpose. Keep the under surface of the leaves flat on the sand | this purpose. Keep the under surface of the leaves flat on the sand | ||
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while rooting. The native P. incarnata grows very freely at | while rooting. The native P. incarnata grows very freely at | ||
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Washington, becoming more or less of a weed and hard to eradicate. | Washington, becoming more or less of a weed and hard to eradicate. | ||
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The peculiar charm of these plants lies in the odd flowers, the parts | The peculiar charm of these plants lies in the odd flowers, the parts | ||
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of which were fancied by the early Spanish and Italian travelers to | of which were fancied by the early Spanish and Italian travelers to | ||
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represent the implements of the crucifixion (whence both the | represent the implements of the crucifixion (whence both the | ||
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technical and popular names). Legend and superstition have attached | technical and popular names). Legend and superstition have attached | ||
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to these plants from the first. The ten colored parts of the floral | to these plants from the first. The ten colored parts of the floral | ||
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envelope were thought to represent the ten apostles present at the | envelope were thought to represent the ten apostles present at the | ||
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crucifixion, Peter and Judas being absent. Inside the corolla is a | crucifixion, Peter and Judas being absent. Inside the corolla is a | ||
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showy crown or corona of colored filaments or fringes, taken to | showy crown or corona of colored filaments or fringes, taken to | ||
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represent the crown of thorns, or by some thought to be emblematic of | represent the crown of thorns, or by some thought to be emblematic of | ||
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the halo. The stamens are five, to some suggestive of the five | the halo. The stamens are five, to some suggestive of the five | ||
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wounds, by others thought to be emblematic of the hammers which were | wounds, by others thought to be emblematic of the hammers which were | ||
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used to drive the three nails, the latter being represented by the | used to drive the three nails, the latter being represented by the | ||
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three styles with capitate stigmas. The long axillary coiling | three styles with capitate stigmas. The long axillary coiling | ||
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tendrils represent the cords or the scourges. The digitate leaves | tendrils represent the cords or the scourges. The digitate leaves | ||
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suggest the hands of the persecutors. The following sketch of the | suggest the hands of the persecutors. The following sketch of the | ||
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passion-flower legend is from Folkard's "Plant Lore, Legends and | passion-flower legend is from Folkard's "Plant Lore, Legends and | ||
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Lyrics," and the illustration (Fig. 2769) is also produced from that | Lyrics," and the illustration (Fig. 2769) is also produced from that | ||
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book: "The passion-flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a wild flower of | book: "The passion-flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a wild flower of | ||
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the South American forests, and it is said that the Spaniards, when | the South American forests, and it is said that the Spaniards, when | ||
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they first saw the lovely bloom of this plant, as it hung in rich | they first saw the lovely bloom of this plant, as it hung in rich | ||
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festoons from the branches of the forest trees, regarded the | festoons from the branches of the forest trees, regarded the | ||
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magnificent blossom as a token that the Indians should be converted | magnificent blossom as a token that the Indians should be converted | ||
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to Christianity, as they saw in its several parts the emblems of the | to Christianity, as they saw in its several parts the emblems of the | ||
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passion of our Lord. In the year 1610, Jacomo Bosio, the author of an | passion of our Lord. In the year 1610, Jacomo Bosio, the author of an | ||
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exhaustive treatise on the Cross of Calvary, was busily engaged on | exhaustive treatise on the Cross of Calvary, was busily engaged on | ||
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this work when there arrived in Rome an Augustmian friar, named | this work when there arrived in Rome an Augustmian friar, named | ||
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Emmanuel de Villegas, a Mexican by birth. He brought with him, and | Emmanuel de Villegas, a Mexican by birth. He brought with him, and | ||
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showed to Bosio, the drawing of a flower so stupenduously marvelous,' | showed to Bosio, the drawing of a flower so stupenduously marvelous,' | ||
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that he hesitated making any mention of it in his book. However, some | that he hesitated making any mention of it in his book. However, some | ||
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other drawings and descriptions were sent to him by inhabitants of | other drawings and descriptions were sent to him by inhabitants of | ||
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New Spam, and certain Mexican Jesuits, sojourning at Rome, confirmed | New Spam, and certain Mexican Jesuits, sojourning at Rome, confirmed | ||
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all the astonishing reports of this floral marvel; moreover, some | all the astonishing reports of this floral marvel; moreover, some | ||
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Dominicans at Bologna engraved and published a drawing of it, | Dominicans at Bologna engraved and published a drawing of it, | ||
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accompanied by poems and descriptive essays. Bosio therefore | accompanied by poems and descriptive essays. Bosio therefore | ||
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conceived it to be his duty to present the Flos Passionis to the | conceived it to be his duty to present the Flos Passionis to the | ||
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world as the most wondrous example of the Croce trionfante discovered | world as the most wondrous example of the Croce trionfante discovered | ||
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in forest or field. The flower represente, he tells us, not so | in forest or field. The flower represente, he tells us, not so | ||
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directly the Cross of our Lord, as the past mysteries of the Passion. | directly the Cross of our Lord, as the past mysteries of the Passion. | ||
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It is a native of the Indies, of Peru, and of New Spain, where the | It is a native of the Indies, of Peru, and of New Spain, where the | ||
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Spaniards call it 'the Flower of the Five Wounds," and it had clearly | Spaniards call it 'the Flower of the Five Wounds," and it had clearly | ||
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been designed by the great Creator that it might, in due time, assist | been designed by the great Creator that it might, in due time, assist | ||
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in the conversion of the heathen among whom it grows. Alluding to the | in the conversion of the heathen among whom it grows. Alluding to the | ||
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bell-like shape assumed by the flower during the greater part of its | bell-like shape assumed by the flower during the greater part of its | ||
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existence (i.e., whilst it is expanding and fading),Bosio remarks: | existence (i.e., whilst it is expanding and fading),Bosio remarks: | ||
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'And it may well be that, in His infinite wisdom, it pleased Him to | 'And it may well be that, in His infinite wisdom, it pleased Him to | ||
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create it thus shut up and protected, as though to indicate that the | create it thus shut up and protected, as though to indicate that the | ||
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wonderful mysteries of the Cross and of His Passion were to remain | wonderful mysteries of the Cross and of His Passion were to remain | ||
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hidden from the heathen people of those countries until the time | hidden from the heathen people of those countries until the time | ||
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preordained by His Highest Majesty.' The figure given to the | preordained by His Highest Majesty.' The figure given to the | ||
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Passionflower in Bosio's work shows the crown of thorns twisted and | Passionflower in Bosio's work shows the crown of thorns twisted and | ||
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plaited, the three nails, and the column of the flagellation just as | plaited, the three nails, and the column of the flagellation just as | ||
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they appear on ecclesiastical banners, etc. 'The upper petals,' | they appear on ecclesiastical banners, etc. 'The upper petals,' | ||
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writes Bosio in his description, 'are tawny in Peru, but in New Spain | writes Bosio in his description, 'are tawny in Peru, but in New Spain | ||
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they are white, tinged with rose. The filaments above resemble a | they are white, tinged with rose. The filaments above resemble a | ||
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blood-coloured fringe, as though suggesting the scourge with which | blood-coloured fringe, as though suggesting the scourge with which | ||
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our blessed Lord was tormented. The column rises in the middle. The | our blessed Lord was tormented. The column rises in the middle. The | ||
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nails are above it; the crown of thorns encircles the column; and | nails are above it; the crown of thorns encircles the column; and | ||
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close in the center of the flower from which the column rises is a | close in the center of the flower from which the column rises is a | ||
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portion of a yellow colour, about the size of a reale, in which arc | portion of a yellow colour, about the size of a reale, in which arc | ||
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five spots or stains of the hue of blood, evidently setting forth the | five spots or stains of the hue of blood, evidently setting forth the | ||
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five wounds received by our Lord on the Cross. The colour of the | five wounds received by our Lord on the Cross. The colour of the | ||
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column, the crown, and the nails is a clear green. The crown itself | column, the crown, and the nails is a clear green. The crown itself | ||
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is surrounded by a kind of veil, or very fine hair, of a violet | is surrounded by a kind of veil, or very fine hair, of a violet | ||
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colour, the filaments of which number seventy-two, answering to the | colour, the filaments of which number seventy-two, answering to the | ||
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number of thorns with which, according to tradition, our Lord's crown | number of thorns with which, according to tradition, our Lord's crown | ||
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was set; and the leaves of the plant, abundant and beautiful, are | was set; and the leaves of the plant, abundant and beautiful, are | ||
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shaped like the head of a lance or pike, referring, no doubt, to that | shaped like the head of a lance or pike, referring, no doubt, to that | ||
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which pierced the side of our Savior, whilst they are marked beneath | which pierced the side of our Savior, whilst they are marked beneath | ||
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with round spots, signifying the thirty pieces of silver.' " | with round spots, signifying the thirty pieces of silver.' " | ||
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Passifloras as gardener's ornamental plants. | Passifloras as gardener's ornamental plants. | ||
(J. J. M. Farrell.) | (J. J. M. Farrell.) | ||
These plants constitute a large family or group of evergreen | These plants constitute a large family or group of evergreen | ||
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climbers. They will show to best advantage when they can be planted | climbers. They will show to best advantage when they can be planted | ||
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out permanently in a warm conservatory and where they can have | out permanently in a warm conservatory and where they can have | ||
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comparatively large space to climb. They may also be grown in pots | comparatively large space to climb. They may also be grown in pots | ||
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when the conditions do not permit other methods of handling. | when the conditions do not permit other methods of handling. | ||
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Passifloras may be propagated either by cuttings or seeds. They may | Passifloras may be propagated either by cuttings or seeds. They may | ||
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be rooted from young growth taken any time from the middle of January | be rooted from young growth taken any time from the middle of January | ||
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until April. These cuttings are placed in a warm propagating-bed, and | until April. These cuttings are placed in a warm propagating-bed, and | ||
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kept shaded and moist, and in a short tune they will root; they are | kept shaded and moist, and in a short tune they will root; they are | ||
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also inserted in small pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in | also inserted in small pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in | ||
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equal parts, and plunged in the propagating-bed. When rooted, the | equal parts, and plunged in the propagating-bed. When rooted, the | ||
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cuttings are potted off, using a compost of loam four parts, leaf- | cuttings are potted off, using a compost of loam four parts, leaf- | ||
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mold two parts, well-rotted cow-manure one part, and which should | mold two parts, well-rotted cow-manure one part, and which should | ||
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contain enough sand to keep it porous. Keep shaded until they become | contain enough sand to keep it porous. Keep shaded until they become | ||
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well established, when they may be given a place well up to the glass | well established, when they may be given a place well up to the glass | ||
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in full sun. The passifloras are also readily raised from seed sown | in full sun. The passifloras are also readily raised from seed sown | ||
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in spring, and the plants potted off as soon as big enough. | in spring, and the plants potted off as soon as big enough. | ||
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The plants will stand a night temperature of 65° to 70°: this can be | The plants will stand a night temperature of 65° to 70°: this can be | ||
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increased until it reaches 80° to 85° for a day temperature with sun. | increased until it reaches 80° to 85° for a day temperature with sun. | ||
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Give ventilation daily, taking into account the state of the weather; | Give ventilation daily, taking into account the state of the weather; | ||
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while they like plenty of heat, they will not do well in a stagnant | while they like plenty of heat, they will not do well in a stagnant | ||
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atmosphere; therefore, give air on all favorable occasions. Every | atmosphere; therefore, give air on all favorable occasions. Every | ||
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morning in bright weather, give them a good syringing, as this is a | morning in bright weather, give them a good syringing, as this is a | ||
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great aid in keeping them in vigor and supplying the desired | great aid in keeping them in vigor and supplying the desired | ||
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atmospheric moisture, but this does not mean a very humid atmosphere. | atmospheric moisture, but this does not mean a very humid atmosphere. | ||
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By pinching, the plants are made to produce several growths. These | By pinching, the plants are made to produce several growths. These | ||
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plants can be shifted until they are in 10- or 12-inch pots. The | plants can be shifted until they are in 10- or 12-inch pots. The | ||
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growth may be trained on pillars or along rafters of the | growth may be trained on pillars or along rafters of the | ||
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conservatory. | conservatory. | ||
When planted out in about 8 or 10 inches of soil, passifloras will | When planted out in about 8 or 10 inches of soil, passifloras will | ||
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cover a very large space, but sometimes to such an extent as to | cover a very large space, but sometimes to such an extent as to | ||
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obscure the whole glass. The best place is on a back wall in some | obscure the whole glass. The best place is on a back wall in some | ||
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house where they may ramble at will. Keep well syringed until they | house where they may ramble at will. Keep well syringed until they | ||
− | + | how flower, when syringing should be discontinued until they are | |
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through blooming. After the plants have covered the position allotted | through blooming. After the plants have covered the position allotted | ||
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to them, all that is required is the regulation of the young growth, | to them, all that is required is the regulation of the young growth, | ||
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so as to keep them from becoming entangled. In winter they may be cut | so as to keep them from becoming entangled. In winter they may be cut | ||
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back and the exhausted soil replaced by good rich compost. They will | back and the exhausted soil replaced by good rich compost. They will | ||
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not need a high temperature, doing well in 55° to 60° at night. When | not need a high temperature, doing well in 55° to 60° at night. When | ||
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they start off into growth again, keep raising the temperature until | they start off into growth again, keep raising the temperature until | ||
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it has reached the figures already stated. They may now be given | it has reached the figures already stated. They may now be given | ||
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manure water regularly and throughout the growing season. Keep down | manure water regularly and throughout the growing season. Keep down | ||
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thrip, red-spider, and mealy-bug by syringing and sponging. | thrip, red-spider, and mealy-bug by syringing and sponging. | ||
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The edible-fruited passifloras. (F. W. Popenoe.) | The edible-fruited passifloras. (F. W. Popenoe.) | ||
The principal species of Passiflora that are cultivated for their | The principal species of Passiflora that are cultivated for their | ||
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fruits in tropical and subtropical regions are P. quadrangularis, the | fruits in tropical and subtropical regions are P. quadrangularis, the | ||
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granadilla, granadilla real of Costa Rica, barbadine of the French | granadilla, granadilla real of Costa Rica, barbadine of the French | ||
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colonies, pasion- aria of Cuba, maracuja melao of Brazil; P. edulis, | colonies, pasion- aria of Cuba, maracuja melao of Brazil; P. edulis, | ||
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also called granadilla, as well as passion-fruit; and P. laurifolia, | also called granadilla, as well as passion-fruit; and P. laurifolia, | ||
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the water-lemon of the British West Indies, pomme-liane of the French | the water-lemon of the British West Indies, pomme-liane of the French | ||
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colonies. While P. quad-rangularis is a common garden plant in | colonies. While P. quad-rangularis is a common garden plant in | ||
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tropical America, it is not so extensively grown in any region as is | tropical America, it is not so extensively grown in any region as is | ||
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P. edulis in Australia. In the United States these species can be | P. edulis in Australia. In the United States these species can be | ||
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grown only in the warmest regions; in California P. edulis is the | grown only in the warmest regions; in California P. edulis is the | ||
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only one that is successfully cultivated in the open, the other two | only one that is successfully cultivated in the open, the other two | ||
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species being much more susceptible to frost; in south Florida all | species being much more susceptible to frost; in south Florida all | ||
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three can be grown, although the tropical species are sometimes | three can be grown, although the tropical species are sometimes | ||
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injured by frost. | injured by frost. | ||
The true granadilla (P. quadrangularis) is a strong rapid-growing | The true granadilla (P. quadrangularis) is a strong rapid-growing | ||
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climber, frequently planted for ornament in tropical regions and | climber, frequently planted for ornament in tropical regions and | ||
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allowed to cover arbors and pergolas. Its brownish yellow ovoid | allowed to cover arbors and pergolas. Its brownish yellow ovoid | ||
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fruits are sometimes 8 inches in length, and within the thin brittle | fruits are sometimes 8 inches in length, and within the thin brittle | ||
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pericarp is a large number of small flattened seeds surrounded by | pericarp is a large number of small flattened seeds surrounded by | ||
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gelatinous pulp and subacid juice. When green, they are sometimes | gelatinous pulp and subacid juice. When green, they are sometimes | ||
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boiled and used as a vegetable; when ripe, the acidulous pulp is | boiled and used as a vegetable; when ripe, the acidulous pulp is | ||
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refreshing, and is used to prepare cooling drinks, or is eaten with a | refreshing, and is used to prepare cooling drinks, or is eaten with a | ||
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spoon directly from the fruit. | spoon directly from the fruit. | ||
The passion-fruit (P. edulis) is considerably smaller than the | The passion-fruit (P. edulis) is considerably smaller than the | ||
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granadilla, rarely larger than a hen's egg, and dull purple when | granadilla, rarely larger than a hen's egg, and dull purple when | ||
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ripe. Its pulp is slightly more acid than that of the granadilla, but | ripe. Its pulp is slightly more acid than that of the granadilla, but | ||
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of very pleasant flavor, and highly esteemed in Queensland and New | of very pleasant flavor, and highly esteemed in Queensland and New | ||
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South Wales, where the plant is cultivated commercially. It is used | South Wales, where the plant is cultivated commercially. It is used | ||
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for flavoring sherbets, for confectionery, for icing cakes, for | for flavoring sherbets, for confectionery, for icing cakes, for | ||
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"trifles,"—a dish composed of sponge cake, fruits, cream, and white | "trifles,"—a dish composed of sponge cake, fruits, cream, and white | ||
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of egg,—for jams, and for other table purposes. The pulp is also | of egg,—for jams, and for other table purposes. The pulp is also | ||
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eaten directly from the fruit, after adding a little sugar, or is | eaten directly from the fruit, after adding a little sugar, or is | ||
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used to prepare a refreshing drink, by beating it up in a glass of | used to prepare a refreshing drink, by beating it up in a glass of | ||
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ice-water and adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. The plants are | ice-water and adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. The plants are | ||
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grown on trellises about 6 feet high; at the top of the trellis is | grown on trellises about 6 feet high; at the top of the trellis is | ||
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nailed a crosspiece 18 inches long, from the ends of which are run | nailed a crosspiece 18 inches long, from the ends of which are run | ||
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two wires, the long branches being allowed to hang down over these to | two wires, the long branches being allowed to hang down over these to | ||
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the ground. The rows are placed 15 feet apart, with the vines 15 feet | the ground. The rows are placed 15 feet apart, with the vines 15 feet | ||
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apart in the row_. The young plants must be protected in regions | apart in the row_. The young plants must be protected in regions | ||
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subject to frost: they begin bearing the second year, sometimes | subject to frost: they begin bearing the second year, sometimes | ||
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producing a few fruits the first season, and continue in profitable | producing a few fruits the first season, and continue in profitable | ||
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production four to six years, when they must be renewed. By proper | production four to six years, when they must be renewed. By proper | ||
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pruning, two crops a year can be secured, in regions not subject to | pruning, two crops a year can be secured, in regions not subject to | ||
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frost. The most suitable soil seems to be sandy loam, although other | frost. The most suitable soil seems to be sandy loam, although other | ||
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soils will grow the plant successfully. Manure should be supplied | soils will grow the plant successfully. Manure should be supplied | ||
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liberally. In Australia, the profits of passion-fruit culture are | liberally. In Australia, the profits of passion-fruit culture are | ||
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reported to run from $100 to $300 an acre annually. Because of the | reported to run from $100 to $300 an acre annually. Because of the | ||
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short life of the vines, they are often planted as a catch-crop in | short life of the vines, they are often planted as a catch-crop in | ||
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young orchards which have not yet come into bearing. Like P. quad- | young orchards which have not yet come into bearing. Like P. quad- | ||
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rangularis, this species is often grown as an ornamental plant, and | rangularis, this species is often grown as an ornamental plant, and | ||
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makes an excellent and rapid-growing cover for fences and trellises. | makes an excellent and rapid-growing cover for fences and trellises. | ||
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The passifloras are easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, the | The passifloras are easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, the | ||
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latter method being preferable in most cases. Seeds should be removed | latter method being preferable in most cases. Seeds should be removed | ||
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from the fruit, dried in a shady place, and planted in flats of light | from the fruit, dried in a shady place, and planted in flats of light | ||
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soil. They do not germinate very quickly, but the young plants are | soil. They do not germinate very quickly, but the young plants are | ||
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easily raised, and may be set out in the open ground when six months | easily raised, and may be set out in the open ground when six months | ||
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to a year old. Cuttings should be taken from fairly well-matured | to a year old. Cuttings should be taken from fairly well-matured | ||
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shoots, and should be about 6 inches in length. They are easily | shoots, and should be about 6 inches in length. They are easily | ||
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rooted in sand, no bottom heat being required. Cuttings of P. edulis | rooted in sand, no bottom heat being required. Cuttings of P. edulis | ||
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will often fruit in pots at the age of one to two years, and form | will often fruit in pots at the age of one to two years, and form | ||
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very interesting greenhouse plants. While this species usually fruits | very interesting greenhouse plants. While this species usually fruits | ||
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prolifically, P. quad- rangularis sometimes requires hand-pollination | prolifically, P. quad- rangularis sometimes requires hand-pollination | ||
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when grown outside its native habitat. | when grown outside its native habitat. | ||
INDEX | INDEX |
Revision as of 13:46, 22 June 2009
Read about Passiflora in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture
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