Common Name: Sweet Grenadilla

General Information

Passiflora ligularis is a vigorous, evergreen climbing shrub producing stems ranging from 4 - 20 metres or more long. These stems can scramble over the ground or clamber into the surrounding vegetation, attaching themselves by means of coiling tendrils[, ].
The plant is highly valued for its edible fruit and is harvested from the wild and also widely cultivated in many areas of the tropics and subtropics[, ]. The fruit is sold in local and national markets markets[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental, valued for its large, fragrant flowes[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Western and Northern S. America - Peru and Bolivia north through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Mesic or humid forests, especially tropical highland forest, often climbing into the canopies; at elevations from 1,000 - 3,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora ligularis is usually grown at elevations between 800 - 3,000 metres in the tropics and down to sea level in the subtropic, it is said to be unsuitable for cultivation in the lowland tropics[, ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 26°c, but can tolerate 16 - 31°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -1°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at 0°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 1,200mm, but tolerates 650 - 2,500mm[, ].
Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade[]. Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Many of the vigorous species, this one included, can succeed in fairly dense shade, but in such a situation they climb into the canopy of the forest in order to get enough light to flourish, flower and produce fruit. Most species are found in the wild in moist but well-drained soils, generally of a lighter texture, and will often flower and fruit more heavily if the soil fertility is low. They often develop deep roots and can be moderately tolerant of dry spells. Prefers a circumneutral soil, disliking very acid or very alkaline conditions[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5.1 - 7.5[].
Highly valued for its edible fruit, Passiflora ligularis is a commonly cultivated crop in the tropics and subtropics[]. It has escaped from cultivation in many areas and is considered invasive in countries such as Haiti, Jamaica, Hawaii, Singapore, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, the Galapagos Islands and Samoa. In New Caledonia it is a declared noxious weed and its introduction is prohibited. The plant can impact farming by smothering vegetation and impeding access, and may be poisonous or unpalatable to livestock. It also invades natural mesic forests and other natural vegetation formations, where it can shade out understorey plants[].
Plants produce tendrils and climb by attaching these to other plants.
Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut back to ground level if required to rejuvenate the plant[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or made into ices, desserts and cooling drinks[, ]. A pleasant, sweet flavour[, ]. One of the better flavoured of the passion fruits, the orange-yellow fruit contains a soft, translucent, perfumed pulp of a very agreeable taste[, ]. Claimed by many to be the best tasting of the passionfruits[, ]. The ovoid to spherical fruit is about 6 - 10m long and 4 - 6cm wide[, , ].

Medicinal

The juice has digestive and diuretic properties and is recommended for patients with ulcers or hiatal hernia since it contains wound-healing compounds[]. It also helps counter reflux in adults and babies. It has an antispasmodic effect and induces sleepiness[]

The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called 'passiflorina' which has similaritiesr to morphine and is an effective tranquilizer[]. We have no specific information for this species but many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep[].
The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, antihysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas[].

Other Uses

The beautiful flowers are used in the perfume industry[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe along with the pulp which will help break down the seed coat and speed up germination[]. Fresh seed germinates in 10 - 20 days[]. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of a fresh passion fruit (of any species)[]. Even so, it can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate[]. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 - 24°c[]. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough[].
Cuttings of young shoots, taken at the nodes. The cuttings root best in a neutral to slightly acid compost, but 100% sharp sand also produces good results[].
Cuttings of fully mature wood taken at a node. They can take 3 months, but there is usually a high percentage[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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