Fragrant granadilla, Winged-stem passion flower
Passiflora alata
Family: Passifloraceae
What it is like
A climbing plant. It grows 6 m high and spreads 2.4-6 m wide. The stems have wings. The leaves are simple and oval and pointed. They are 15 cm long. The edges can have fine teeth. The flowers are 12 cm across and have a scent. The petals are red with purple and white banded filaments. The fruit are oval to pear shaped. They are yellow and 10 cm long. They are edible. It is like a giant granadilla.
There are about 400 Passiflora species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally on levees along the coast and in forests near the Atlantic in Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Andes, Argentina, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Colombia, Cuba, Paraguay, Peru, South America, West Indies
How it is used for food
The juicy thick wall of the fruit is eaten. It is used for drinks.
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Maracuja grande, Maracuja, Maracuja-acu, Macaruja-melao, Wingstem passionfruit