Common Name: Grape-Leaved Passion Fruit

General Information

Passiflora vitifolia is a vigorous climbing plant with a perennial rootstock. It produces annual to perennial stems 5 - 20 metres long, occasionally to 30 metres; these scramble over the ground or clamber into other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[].
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild and consumed locally, though it is not widely appreciated[]. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its fruit and is also often grown as an ornamental, where it is particularly valued for its red flowers and free-flowering habit[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela to the Caribbean and C. America to Honduras.

Habitat

Lowland forest edges and shrubby areas[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora vitifolia is a plant of the moist, lowland tropics[].
Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. 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. Most Passiflora species prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6. 5 - 7.5[, ].
Often grown as an ornamental, the cultivar 'Scarlet Flame' has fruit with the flavour of a strawberry[].
Although this common lowland or premontane species is often a canopy vine, the bright red flowers are usually borne within 1 - 2 metres of the ground[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw and made into juices[, , ]. A juicy pulp with an acidic flavour[]. The ovoid fruit is about 5cm in diameter[].

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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