Passiflora Triscuspis...an interesting fact....
By Andyrewwad
30 Aug, 2010
2 likes
The main enemy of any Passion Flower is the the butterfly (specifically their caterpillars)! Most particularly; butterflies of the genus Heliconius.
The yellow spots on the leaves of this Passiflora Tricuspis are external nectaries. These secrete a sugary substance which attracts ants. The ants will defend the plant from any broody butterflies.
The glands also look like butterfly eggs; thus making the butterfly think that the leaf is already occupied!
Genius!!
That's another reason why I love these plants!!
Comments on this photo
Pictures by all members
154451 of 301188
What else?
View photos by Andyrewwad
Featured on: vines passion flowers
This photo is of species passiflora.
See who else has plants in genus Passiflora.
This photo is of "Passiflora" in Andyrewwad's garden
Members who like this photo
-
Gardening with friends since
16 Mar, 2009 -
Gardening with friends since
15 Jan, 2010
-
Passionflower (Passiflora Careula) 3 Plants 9cm Pot
£18.98 at Jersey Plants Direct -
Passiflora Edulis
£16.00 at Burncoose -
Passiflora Antioquiensis
£15.00 at Burncoose -
Passiflora Mollissima
£15.00 at Burncoose -
Passiflora Eden ('Hil Pas Eden') (Pbr) (Passion Flower)
£14.99 at Crocus
Amazing! Great info Andrew, I love it when I learn something!
12 Sep, 2010