Common Name: Passion Flower

General Information

Passiflora × exoniensis is an evergreen climbing shrub, producing stems up to 5 metres long and attaching itself to other plants by means of coiling tendrils[].
A hybrid species between Passiflora antioquiensis x Passiflora mollisima, it is often grown as an ornamental, its fruit being enjoyed by gardeners[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

A hybrid of garden origin, Passiflora antioquiensis x Passiflora mollissima

Habitat

Not known in a wild situation

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Passiflora × exoniensis succeeds in warm, essentially frost-free temperate zones, through the subtropics to moderate elevations in the tropics[]. The top growth can tolerate temperatures down to about -3°c, though the roots are somewhat hardier and will often resprout if the top growth is killed[]. 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[].
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 cooked[]. It is especially well-flavoured[]. The yellow, banana-shaped fruit is 75 - 90cm 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[]. This species is a hybrid and, as such, will not breed true from seed.
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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