Sweet calabash
Passiflora maliformis

Family: Passifloraceae

What it is like

The plant is a vigorous vine. It grows 10 m long. The leaves are light green and can be curved back at the tip. They are 6-15 cm long. The flowers are white and purple. They are 4-5 cm across and have a scent. The fruit has a yellow-green hard shell. It is round and smooth and 5 cm across. It has white dots on the skin.

There are about 400 Passiflora species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in more tropical conditions than purple passionfruit. It suits the warm, wet tropical lowlands. In South America it grows up to 1,700 m above sea level. In Jamaica it grows between 150-400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Andes, Antilles, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guadeloupe, Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Jamaica, Marquesas, Martinique, Niue, Pacific, Puerto Rico, Rotuma, Samoa, South America (country/location of origin), Tonga, Trinidad, Vanuatu, Venezuela, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The flesh of the fruit is eaten. It is also made into drinks.

It is sold in local markets. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

They can be grown from seed or leafy cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bell-apple, Calabacito de Indio, Callebassie, Ceibey cimarron, Cholupa, Conch apple, Conch nut, Culupa, Curuba, Chulupa, Guerito, Hardshelled passionflower, Kuruba, Liane a agouti, Lila, Parcha cimarrona, Pomme calabas, Qaranidila, Sweet cup, Tsururu fintsumi puka, Water lemon

Synonyms

Passiflora caudata A. H. Gentry;