Common Name: Granadilla De Monte

General Information

Passiflora ambigua is a large, herbaceous climbing plant with a perennial rootstock, producing annual stems 8 - 12 metres or more long that scramble over the ground or support themselves on other plants by means of tendrils, climbing into the canopy, and only flowering there, when growing in dense forest[, ].
The fruits are much appreciated within the plant's native range, where they are gathered from the wild and used locally[]. The plant is often cultivated for its fruit in Central America, the fruit being sold locally and also exported[]

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil and Peru, north through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Rainforests, in areas that do not become inundated[]. Wet, mixed forest or thickets; at elevations up to 500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

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. Most Passiflora species prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6.5 - 7.5[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. The thick-skinned fruit has a juicy pulp with a sweet, pleasant flavour[]. The fruit at first tastes sweet, but becomes sour after sucking for a while[]. The yellow to orange, very widely ovoid fruits are up to 9 - 14cm long and 6 - 14cm wide[, , ].
The fruit has a remarkably thick mesocarp, which ranges from 15 - 40mm thick[].

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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