One of my all time favorite flowers is the Passion Flower. I first saw it on a magazine cover when I was in the 4th grade. I believe that magazine was Texas Highways. I am lucky enough to have it now growing around my property and my neighbors' properties.

There are many uses for this beautiful flowering vine. You can make medicinal teas from the leaves, flower and root that are used to treat everything from insomnia to epilepsy (however, please consult a professional before trying to self medicate). The passion fruit grows on this vine but there were none on it as it is too early in the season. Bugs apparently like it too as you can see there are several on it in the picture.  

The story behind the passion flower is that Spanish Missionaries discovered it and said that it reminded them of the crucifixion of Jesus. The 3 "stigmata" represent the 3 nails. The 10 petals represent the 10 "faithful" apostles. The purple area you see in the picture represents the crown of thorns. The 5 yellowish anthers represent 5 wounds. So, when we look at this flower we are reminded of the sacrifice that was made for us. I can't think of a better way to describe it but other countries/states have thought of other names and descriptions for it. 

 In Japan they call it the clock flower. In Tennessee it is called Ocoee. In some states it is called the Maypop. I like to be reminded of Christ's sacrifice so I will just call it the Passion Flower.