Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora adenopoda is a perennial climbing plant with stems that become somewhat woody at the base; The stems can grow 4 - 10 metres long, occasionally reaching 15 metres, and are up to 25mm in diameter. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into nearby vegetation for support and attaching themselves by means of tendrils[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela; C. America - Panama northwards to central Mexico

Habitat

Moist to wet pre-montane to montane tropical and mixed forest, growing along forest edges and in secondary growth areas, often climbing through small trees or covering thickets, but sometimes persisting in a low secondary canopy[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].
Plants flower and fruit irregularly throughout the year, but mainly towards the end of the wet season[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. The flesh of the fruit is whitish, with orange, sweet-flavoured, somewhat translucent arils 15 - 17mm long[]. The broadly ellipsoid to slightly obovoid, purple fruit is around 45 - 65mm long and 35 - 55mm in diameter[]. Although green fruits can appear to be mature, the fruit is not fully mature until the skin has turned purple[].

Medicinal

The plant is used in traditional medicine[].

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, but there is usually a high percentage[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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