This is a native vine that inhabits sunny areas in all local soil types. It spreads underground and may appear where you had not planned for it to be. It emerges from underground in the spring and flowers with large ornate purple blossoms. The vines grow and produce better in some spots than in others. The difference may be soil quality or drainage. P. incarnata is the host plant for the gulf fritillary butterfly. Their larvae may completely consume young, potted, or otherwise slow growing plants. Most wild vines grow quickly enough to compensate for the caterpillars.
Maypop
The delicious fruits begin to mature in late July. Trellising will improve your ability to find the fruits, which fall off when ripe.
Maypop Flower
The passionflower is nature’s most beautiful – here are some more really fabulous photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yodaddy/815160262/
Dan's Maypops
To eat, tear open the skin, suck out the innards and chew it all up. The taste is uniquely delicious and the seeds crunchy. You can cut them in half and scoop the pulp out into a fresh fruit salad.
pdf – Maypop Passion Fruit Information Sheet
(to print out)
Passion Fruit
8 responses so far ↓
1 MANON // Aug 23, 2008 at 12:48 AM
IF YOU WANT SOME FAST GROWING VINE WITH BEAUTIFUL COLORED FLOWERS TO COVER AN UGLY FENCE OR WALL….WELL THE MAYPOP WILL SURPRISE YOU AND BEFORE YOU KNOW YOU LOVE THAT “TAKING OVER” VINE.
2 luther // Sep 9, 2008 at 2:40 AM
I ate these maypop’s when I was a little boy growing up in the Carolina’s. Would love to get some seed to try and grow here in Texas.
3 Sarah // Nov 3, 2008 at 4:13 AM
Luther,
I have many of them growing wild in my yard. Will be happy to share. Contact me through my website.
4 Steve // Jan 25, 2009 at 3:29 AM
They sure bring back memories of my childhood. We used to eat ‘em, stomp ‘em to hear them pop and loved to mash up the insides in water and add just a little sugar. Maypops are the essence of summer. A big wild vine full of maypops is one of ten years old most exciting summer discoveries.
Minus a snake or an occasional wasp nest!
5 Maria // Mar 24, 2009 at 1:30 PM
They are a fast grower. I picked up a fruit and planted the whole in my yard…now they are taking over…they are nice plants.
6 Cat // Sep 26, 2009 at 8:19 AM
can anyone tell me how to make jelly of them,what do they look like ripe. Please email me if you can help. Cat
7 Cat // Sep 26, 2009 at 8:22 AM
Are these ok to use for herbal purpose? Like the purple passion flower????? Thank you Cat
8 ChayaMan // Oct 8, 2009 at 6:01 PM
In Brasil, we use these fruits to make juice – Maracuja. Mixed up light with sugar, it is a refreshing drink in hot weather. Mixed up thicker, it is a good remedy for insomnia; it puts one to sleep easily without making problems for awaking.
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