Maracuja
Passiflora tenuifila
Family: Passifloraceae
What it is like
A climbing herb. It grows for several years. It has tendrils. The young stems are angular and older stems are round with stripes along them. The leaves have 3 lobes and are thin. They are 3-8 cm long on a leaf stalk 2-5 cm long. These have 2-6 glands. The flowers occur singly and are 4-5 cm across. The fruit are pale yellow and 3-4 cm across. The pulp is juicy and sweet.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows naturally in small isolated forest clumps in Brazil. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh.
The fruit are not very popular.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Maracuja-alho, Maracuja-de-cobra