passion-flower

A passion-flower blooms in the garden.

Definition

Noun: - A climbing plant of the genus Passiflora: "passion-flower" refers to any of various mostly tropical climbing vines or shrubs of the genus Passiflora, characterized by showy flowers that typically have a distinctive crown of filaments and often produce edible fruit (such as the passion fruit). The name derives from the flower's resemblance to symbols of the Passion of Christ (the crucifixion), such as the crown of thorns and the nails.

Usage Examples

• (A climbing plant with a distinctive, ornate flower.)
• (A vine used for ornamental purposes.)

Advanced Usage

• "passion-flower" as a botanical term: In horticulture, "passion-flower" is used to describe the entire genus, but it is also applied to individual species, such as (blue passion-flower).
  • The blue passion-flower is a common ornamental species in temperate gardens. (A specific variety of the plant.)

Variants and Related Words

• Passion fruit (n): The edible fruit of certain passion-flower species, typically oval with a tough rind and juicy, aromatic pulp.

  • The passion fruit's tart flavor is popular in desserts and drinks. (The fruit produced by the plant.)

• Passionflower (n): An alternative spelling, often used interchangeably with "passion-flower."

  • The passionflower's intricate structure attracts many pollinators. (The same plant.)

Synonyms

• Maypop: A common name for , a North American species of passion-flower.
• Granadilla: A term for certain passion-flower species, especially those with edible fruit.

Related Idioms

• "Passion-flower" as a symbol: In literature, the passion-flower is sometimes used metaphorically to represent suffering, beauty, or religious devotion.
  • Her poetry compared the lover's sacrifice to the passion-flower's crown of thorns. (A symbolic use of the flower's religious associations.)