Bell-apple, Semito
Passiflora nitida

Family: Passifloraceae

What it is like

A creeping vine. It can be 15-20 m long. The leaves are oval or oblong. The leaves are 8-20 cm long by 6-10 cm wide. The flowers are 8-11 cm across. They have a scent. The fruit is round The fruit is 5-7 cm across. They are yellow and filled with grey seeds.

There are about 400 Passiflora species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows naturally all over Brazil. It grows on floodplains and uplands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Amazon, Bolivia (country/location of origin), Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Indonesia, Panama, Peru (country/location of origin), SE Asia, South America, Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh.

It is a cultivated food plant. The fruit are popular. They are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

It is grown from seed. Seedlings can be transplanted when 30-40 cm loong.

Its other names

Local names

Granadilla de monte, Granadilla de olor, Granadilla silvestre, Maracuya do rato, Pachio naranja, Merekuya

Synonyms

Passiflora nymphaeoides H. Karst.;