On 07-31-13 I was walking along Old Shorty
Trail by the main east parking area when I saw this vine wildflower that
I have never seen there or anywhere else before. It turns out to be a
fairly common wildflower. It is the State of Tennessee official
wildflower. It is a Passionflower or Purple Passion flower-Passiflora
incarnata. I think it is very pretty. Here is some information on it: "Also called wild passion flower, purple
passionflower, purple passion vine, maypop, apricot vine. Rare or
threatened in Indiana and Ohio; considered weedy or invasive in some
areas. This is the state wildflower of Tennessee. The name of this
unusual flower relates to the resemblance of the floral parts to
aspects of the crucifixion story. The 10 petal-like parts represent the
disciples, excluding Peter and Judas; the 5 stamens the wounds Jesus
received; the knob-like stigmas the nails; the fringe the crown of
thorns."
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