White passionfruit
Passiflora subpeltata

Family: Passifloraceae

What it is like

A vine which climbs by tendrils. The leaves are simple and 6-8 cm long. They can have 3 blunt lobes. The upper side is bluish green while the underside is covered with a waxy bloom. There are 2-4 stalked glands along the leaf stalk. The flowers are white and have conspicuous bracts around the base. The fruit is 20-60 mm long. They hang singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. The pulp ripens from white to yellow. The pulp has an unpleasant smell. There are many seeds. The pulp is edible.

There are about 400 Passiflora species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in areas of disturbed rain-forest. It has become self sown in some warm temperate coastal places. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It is best with a temperature between 15-30°C. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,300-1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas (country/location of origin), Brazil, Central America, Cuba (country/location of origin), East Africa, Eswatini, Haiti, India, Madagascar, Mexico, North America, Northeastern India, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Venezuela, West Indies (country/location of origin), Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

It is enjoyed by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Granadina, Kilela, Malai kovai, Mufuranta, Nhabel

Synonyms

Passiflora alba Link and Otto;