Common Name: Granadilla de Quijos

General Information

Passiflora popenovii is a vigorous, evergreen climbing shrub with stems that can be 8 metres or more long. The stems scramble over the ground or clamber into the surrounding vegetation, attaching themselves by means of coiling tendrils[].
A rare species, it is harvested from the wild and is also occasionally cultivated in Ecuador and Colombia for its edible fruit[, ]. The fruit is sold in local markets[, , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western S. America - Ecuador.

Habitat

Moist woodland; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,000 metres.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants require a temperature no lower than around 16°c when they are flowering in order to ensure fruit set[].
Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade where it can grow up towards the sun[]. Prefers a circumneutral soil, disliking very acid or very alkaline conditions[]. Passiflora species tend to flower and fruit more freely when grown in soils of only moderate fertility[].
The flowers have a pronounced and agreeable aroma[].
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 - eaten raw or made into drinks. Highly aromatic[]. The juicy fruit has a sweet pulp with a rich, penetrating aroma and an exquisite flavour[, ]. It is considered to be one of the best in the genus for eating out of hand[]. The yellow, ovoid fruit has a thin skin[]. The fruit is said to be larger and somewhat longer than Passiflora ligularis, whose fruit is around 50 - 75mm long[].

Medicinal

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

None known

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[]. 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[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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