Granadilla bellisima
Passiflora membranacea
Family: Passifloraceae
What it is like
An evergreen climbing shrub. The stems are about 5 m long. It scrambles over other plants and has coiling tendrils. The fruit are 4-9 cm long by 3-4 cm wide.
There are about 400 Passiflora species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in high forest zones between 1,350-3,000 m above sea level. It needs a temperature above 16°C at flowering. It is best in a humus rich moist but well-drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Central America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. The pulp helps speed up germination. Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours. It can still take 12 months to germinate. Cuttings can be used as well as layering and air-layering. Plants can be cut back and will re-grow.