Passiflora xiikzodz | The Italian Collection of Maurizio Vecchia

DESCRIPTION:

I didn't find it easy to learn how to pronounce the name of this passionflower correctly. I succeeded only after hearing it from John Vanderplank, curator of the English 'National Collection of Passiflora' and after some practice. Just as its botanical name is unique, so too are its appearance and characteristics.

The affinity of this very strange passionflower with P. coriacea is evident in the shape and texture of its leaves. It was, in fact, considered a variety of P. coriacea itself, but, thanks to some significant differences, it was subsequently classified as a species in its own right.

Its bilobate leaves, about 7 cm wide, are very dark green with light speckles, lie transversely and call to mind the shape of bat wings. There is often a marked hint of a third central lobe. The substantial leaf blade, thanks to its thickness, is so strong that some effort is needed to bend it. The pair of petiole glands lies close to the root of the leaf.

The flowers, devoid of petals and carried in terminal racemes, are very particular. Indeed, the colouring of the corona is striking. The filaments, ¾ black and shiny and ¼ yellow, produce an unusual contrast with the colour of the sepals which are very light green.

The fruits are ovoid, dark purple when ripe, with a diameter of about 1 cm.

Anyone wishing to own a rare and original houseplant can certainly grow P. xiikzodz at home.

This species gave rise to a successful and widespread hybrid of mine: P. 'Manta'.

It is Mexican. It is propagated from seed or from cuttings. It is generous in flowering, resists dry and arid climates and requires poor soil with added sand and stones for drainage.