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Description
Passiflora Manicata, also known as the Red Passionflower, is a species of flowering plant native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Passiflora genus and is a climbing vine that can reach up to 10 meters in length. This plant produces beautiful, large, and fragrant flowers that bloom from spring to fall. The flowers’ petals and sepals are light green, and the corona filaments are red-orange, which gives the plant its name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Passifloraceae |
| Genus | Passiflora |
Appearance
The Passiflora Manicata plant has large, evergreen, and serrated leaves that are dark green on top and light green on the underside. The leaves can grow up to 20 cm long and 15 cm wide. The flowers are the plant’s most attractive feature, measuring up to 10 cm in diameter. The petals and sepals are light green, and the corona filaments are red-orange. The fruits are oval-shaped and measure up to 5 cm long. They are green when young and turn yellow-orange when ripe.
Care Guide
Passiflora Manicata is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for ensuring your plant thrives:Water: Water your plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Passiflora Manicata is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Passiflora Manicata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to look out for:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can infest the plant.Diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust can affect the plant.
Habitat
Passiflora Manicata is native to Central and South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers warm and humid conditions but can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Passiflora Manicata be grown indoors?A: Yes, but the plant prefers full sun, so it needs to be placed near a sunny window or under grow lights.Q: How often should Passiflora Manicata be pruned?A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant.Q: Can Passiflora Manicata be propagated from cuttings?A: Yes, take stem cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in well-draining soil.Q: Does Passiflora Manicata attract pollinators?A: Yes, the plant’s flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Passiflora genus:
- Passiflora caerulea
- Passiflora edulis
- Passiflora incarnata
- Passiflora lutea
References
- “Passiflora manicata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 26, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a764.
- “Passiflora manicata.” PlantFiles. Accessed May 26, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/211007/.
- “Passiflora manicata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 26, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/11462/passiflora-manicata/details.
