Update for 07-31-13

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."