Passion flower
Passiflora actinia

Family: Passifloraceae

What it is like

A slender, wiry climbing shrub. The stems can be 10 m long. They scramble over the ground or climb over other plants by coiling tendrils. The fruit is yellowish.

Over 200 species of fruit bearing Passiflora are recorded in Brazil. At least 50-60 are used as food. There are about 525 Passiflora species. They are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows above 350 m above sea level. They are best in a moist, humus rich soil that is well-drained. A temperature of about 16°C is best for flowering.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. Stored seeds should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water. It can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate. Plants can be grown from cuttings. They can also be grown by layering and air-layering. Plants can be pruned and will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Maracuja-do-mato, Maracuja-redondo-da-serra

Synonyms

Passiflora paulensis Killip;