Photo Essay Photo Essay

Photographer: John MacDougal

Morphology: Coronal detail of Passiflora alata

The hallmark of the family is the corona, seen here in Passiflora alata as purple-banded filaments that extend outward like a cup. The corona, more developed in insect-pollinated species, is an outgrowth at the base of the corolla. It carries perfume, holds in nectar, acts as a landing platform for pollinators, and is a visual attractant. In Passiflora, the stamens are borne beneath the ovary on an elevated column, or androgynophore.