Passiflora suberosa (Corkystem Passionflower)

Botanical name: Passiflora suberosa

Common name: Corkystem Passionflower

Origin: Florida, West Indies, Texas, Mexico, Central America

Passiflora suberosa (Corkystem Passionflower) is a slender climbing vine native to Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It produces small three-lobed leaves, greenish flowers less than an inch wide, and clusters of tiny round fruits that turn deep purple to black when ripe. Though modest in bloom, the plant is valued for its ability to cover fences and trellises quickly, and the fruit is attractive to birds. Its thin stems can become corky with age, giving rise to the common name Corkystem Passionflower. This species is sometimes confused with similar wild passionflowers but is recognizable by its small fruit and inconspicuous flowers.

Passiflora suberosa prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with regular moisture. It grows rapidly and can become weedy in favorable climates. Flowering and fruiting may occur several times through the warm season, supporting wildlife in the garden. It is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11, tolerating brief drops to about 30F, but young plants need frost protection. Suitable for naturalized plantings or container culture, it is best managed with pruning to keep growth in check.