Passiflora: Passionflowers of the World

by Torsten Ulmer and John M. MacDougal

Since they were first described in Europe in the 16th century, passionflowers have held a special fascination among plant collectors for their bold, beautiful, complicated blossoms and delectable passionfruits. Most are perennial climbers, but some are trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, or even annuals, and all lend a dramatic, tropical flavor to any situation. Since they have such a broad range of cultivation requirements, passionflowers can be grown by just about anyone, and cold-hardy species can be grown outdoors year-round. This authoritative, comprehensive volume describes 207 "Passiflora" species and 31 hybrids. A chapter is devoted to the remarkable coevolution of passionflowers with "Heliconius" butterflies, which many passionflower enthusiasts now raise alongside flowering vines in the greenhouse. As lushly illustrated as it is informative, "Passiflora: Passionflowers of the World" reveals the immense variation found among members of this extraordinary genus.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881926485
• ISBN13: 9780881926484
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Timber Press (OR)
• Length: 430 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 7.7" x 10.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent taxonomic resource

This is very good scientific treatment of the genus Passiflora, and is also the most complete treatment of the genus available in book form. It contains a wealth of information, from purely taxonomic data, to horticultural information and natural history. The species descriptions are short but informative, and most are accompanied by leaf illustrations that are useful for checking identifications. The color plates are numerous and do an excellent job of documenting Passiflora diversity, both morphological as well as socio-economic. Although many species are not treated here (about half the genus is missing), this does represent the most complete standalone treatment of the genus available to date. Most of those species that any layman or casually interested botanist is likely to encounter are included, and a table at the beginning lists the approximate numbers of species for all infrageneric taxa, which should help those studying diversity in the genus. Photographs of every listed species are included in the color plates, including numerous rare and infrequently documented taxa, further increasing the scientific value of this book. There are also short chapters on passion fruits, regional descriptions of Passiflora diversity (Belize and the Atlantic forest of Brazil, respectively), cultivation, and more. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in the genus.

passion flowers

I've found this book to be more than informative. It helped me to identify a volunter that sprouted up in my garden. This book gives you information on the history, cultivation, propagation (various forms), and most inmortantly in depth descriptions with beautifull color photos. It make you want to have all the passion flowers you see! It also has info on the butterflies that feed on them. I would recommend this book if you really are into passion flowers.

Fantastic photographs - Great for Gardeners!

Hundreds of gorgeous photographs and lots of information about a flower that is not well known, beyond the usual nursery varieties. Passionflowers are a spectacular species and this volume tells you how to grow them, where they are found, the legend associated with Christ's crown of thorns and even more detailed knowledge for horticulturists or biologists. It's a good buy just for the pictures alone. The authors are experts, yet communicate clearly for everyone. Some of these flowers are out of this world!