Maypop (Wild Passionflower)

Passiflora incarnata

Illustration: Maypop passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) flower and fruit

Identification: Climbing vine with unmistakable fringed purple-and-white passionflowers; egg-sized green fruit that pops when stepped on ('maypop') and ripens yellow-wrinkled.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with that flower. Unripe green fruit is unpleasant; eat only ripe wrinkled yellow fruit.

Edible parts: Ripe fruit pulp.

Season and habitat: Summer–fall. Field edges, fencerows, sandy soil.

Preparation: Scoop pulp fresh — tart tropical flavor; excellent juice. Flowers make a calming tea (traditional use).