Passion - for Sunday Scribblings

Some first research:

Origin and Introduction:Passion Flower, whose genus name is passiflora, is a naturally grown medicinal herb, approved by the German Commission E in the treatment of insomnia and nervousness. It is also used as a sedative in nervous disorders (including gastrointestinal complaints of nervous origin), difficulties in sleeping, and anxiety or restlessness. Passion Flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system.
Passion flower is also known as maypop. It is a woody vine with flowers which reminded early pilgrims of the passion or suffering of Christ. The plant produces small berry-like fruit called granadilla or water lemon. The aerial parts of the plant are gathered during fruiting season and then dried for future processing.
Habitat:The plant is indigenous to an area from the southeast U.S. to Argentina and Brazil.

www.passionflower.org

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The ancient Aztecs reportedly used passionflower as a sedative and pain reliever. Today herbalists also recommend it as a sedative and antispasmodic agent.

Other Names: Passion Flower, Maypop, Apricot vine, Passiflore rouge, Passionsblume, Purple Passion-flower, Passion Vine

Passionflower 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.

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The colours of passion

Burn and vibrate

The drought

Of the body

And the thirst

Of the spirit ~

Till pain

Is pure ecstasy ~

Primeval songlines

Deep drummings

Wrung

Screaming

From some forgotten well

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Locked logic

Numbed chasms

Of perilous

Conditioned minds

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http://emiliewood.com/photos/july2005/11-july-05-passion.jpg

This pic is from Emilie Wood's awesome blog. It is taken in her mother's garden in the south of France