Passiflora incarnata L. (Passiflora) Wild Passion Flower, May Pops, Apricot Vine or May Apple. Commonly known as May Pops because of the sound of the ripe fruit falling to the ground, this is an herbaceous species, native of the eastern part of North America, as far north as S Ohio and West Virginia and therefore one of the hardiest of all passion flowers, flowering throughout summer and early autumn. Stems vining, to 10m. Leaves 3-lobed, to 15cm long, 12cm wide. Flowers 6-9cm across, variable in colour, but usually white, pinkish or pale lilac, very fragrant. Sepals to 3cm long; petals shorter than sepals. Corona filaments in several series, outer rank to 2cm long, inner rank much shorter. Fruit ovoid, to 6cm long; sweet, edible, greenish-yellow when ripe. A good plant for the unheated conservatory, it can also be grown outside in Britain, but considerable care is needed as it requires a warm, sheltered position and a very well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging. It is reputed to be able to survive temperatures as low as -16°C, though it dies back to the ground at the onset of cold weather. Normal recommended min. - 7°C.