Stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida) is very similar to the species found in the Galapagos islands – Galápagos passion flower (Passiflora vesicaria galapagensis)
There are many species of passion flower in Pantanal, and unfortunately I have passed bright red ones by car, hoping to see the species later, but have not. I will have to come back for them!
SouthWild Pantanal has a few species and this one reminds me of one I saw in the Galapagos islands the Galápagos passion flower (Passiflora vesicaria galapagensis). Unfortunately that one was not in bloom as was the case here in Pantanal.
Passionflowers has fascinated me for a long time, both by their incredibly diverse shapes and expressions of beauty and not to mention scent, but also because they can live in such different environments – ranging from dense tropical jungle or harsh savannas like the high plateau of La Gran Sabana in Venezuela.
I didn’t test the resin by smell or touch, so I cannot say whether or not I agree that it’s as stinking or interesting scent. But the fact is that lots of insects get stuck in the resin that would otherwise devour the flower and leaves. Some might even be deterred by the scent.
Native range is tropical and subtropical America.
Last updated on 8 November 2024
