Corky stems

There are over 400 species in the Passiflora genus but this little gem is one of my favorites. Corky stemmed passionvine (Passiflora suberosa) is a diminutive tropical member of the sometimes showy passiflora family.

Incredibly variable in leaf structure, P. suberosa sometimes produces 3 lobed leaves and at other times leaves that are oblong.

Depending upon the age and height of the plant if may bear leaves of both shape at the same time. Lepidopterists have suggested that this variable foliage may be a way of attempting to confuse adult butterflies looking for a succulent vine upon which to deposit eggs.

It's tiny bloom is only 8-30 mm in width, a miniature and paler version of larger Passionvine flowers. The vine bears tiny edible fruits that ripen to purple.

This vine is a fantastic host for Zebra Longwing and Gulf Frittilary larva