The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Tree, Plant and Wood I.D. => Topic started by: GW on August 11, 2007, 05:11:49 PM

Title: flower id
Post by: GW on August 11, 2007, 05:11:49 PM
If you're familiar with this plant please say so but don't name it yet. :)

As you can see I know what this is, but I only recently learned that it is a native.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16089/flower%20id%201.jpg)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: thurlow on August 11, 2007, 06:05:55 PM
Fruit is edible.................supposededly.   :)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: GW on August 11, 2007, 06:11:44 PM
...with enough sugar.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: SwampDonkey on August 11, 2007, 07:14:09 PM
I know what it is. But, I looked it up. Do you know why it was named what it is? Think of a Mel Gibson movie title. ;)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: GW on August 11, 2007, 08:52:06 PM
I read that recently SD, when I was researching the plant. I had no idea it was a native and I was surprised to see it growing wild. I've been kayaking down a river that's name is the name the Indians gave this plant.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: Dodgy Loner on August 11, 2007, 10:58:11 PM
Not much to eat from the fruit of that species.  They're mostly hollow.  The ones you eat come from tropical regions (and they require no sugar).
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: WDH on August 12, 2007, 12:06:07 AM
Oh yeah, I know that one well.  P. i.

The seeds of the fruit are tart.  Nice pic.  We used to stomp on the fruits.  I love the scientific name of this one ;D.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: Texas Ranger on August 12, 2007, 12:20:50 AM
There is a certain passion that one identifying plants falls into.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: DanG on August 12, 2007, 12:27:09 AM
Yep, I know that one, too.  We didn't have any on this place until I dug the footers for the house, then they came up all around it.  That ground hadn't been disturbed for at least 50 years.  It is a beautiful flower, and it is named after a beautiful story.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: Dave Shepard on August 12, 2007, 01:18:01 AM
It looks like it belongs in a cool drink that one would consume next to a pool.


Dave
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: metalspinner on August 12, 2007, 10:51:43 AM
QuoteThink of a Mel Gibson movie title.

QuoteIt is a beautiful flower, and it is named after a beautiful story.

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome?

It is very pretty.  I wonder if we have them up here?
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: SwampDonkey on August 12, 2007, 11:11:27 AM
 :D :D :D :D

'The Passion of the Christ', ring a bell ? ;)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: WDH on August 12, 2007, 11:22:24 AM
GW is making us be pass-ive on this one ;D.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: GW on August 12, 2007, 11:44:24 AM
Quote from: metalspinner on August 12, 2007, 10:51:43 AM

I wonder if we have them up here?

Yes.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: Riles on August 13, 2007, 05:04:39 PM
Got 'em all over the pasture and they're setting fruit now.
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: GW on September 06, 2007, 09:33:15 PM
Since I'm in the native fruit sampling mode I picked a few Passion fruits today. They are a little over 2 inches long and give slightly when I press them with my thumb.

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16089/Passion%20fruit%20whole.jpg)

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16089/Passion%20fruit%20cut.jpg)

The seeds are coated with a gelatinous "flesh" something like pomegranates. The aroma and flavor is very complex, like many other fruits combined. There is a distinct citrus flavor combined with ripe peach, pear, mango and pineapple. You pop the seeds into your mouth and kind of suck the fruit off of them. The first impression is one of subtle sweetness, but then as you break into the little cells of fruit the flavor changes gradually to tart. It's almost lemony, but not quite as sour. The lingering tartness then sets the stage for the next taste by making it seem all the more sweet.

Over all it's a very intriguing fruit, just not one that you will likely fill up on. And that's all I have to say about that.  :)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: WDH on September 06, 2007, 09:46:13 PM
I "popped" many of them in my youth.... ::)
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: Radar67 on September 06, 2007, 10:51:17 PM
Didn't know they were edible. We always called them "may pops". I've popped more than a few. Used to throw them at my brothers.  ;)

Stew
Title: Re: flower id
Post by: GW on September 06, 2007, 11:38:33 PM
Passion fruit is grown commercially. I think the purple variety is more popular than the green.