Passiflora ciliata is closely related to Passiflora foetida and is often confused with it. Nearly all the plants previously identified as Passiflora foetida in southern USA, for example, are actually Passiflora ciliata[].

Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora ciliata is a vigorous perennial climbing plant growing from a woody rootstock and producing annual to somewhat woody and persistent stems that scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation, 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

C. America - Costa Rica, north to Guatemala and central Mexico; Caribbean - Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Habitat

Warm-temperate to subtropical woodlands, shrublands, or disturbed areas, in moist to dry, loamy to sandy soils; at elevations up to 200 metres in Florida[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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[, ].
Passiflora ciliata is often grown as an ornamental and has escaped from cultivation. It has been introduced into southern USA (Texas and Florida), where it has become naturalized and is spreading[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - the pulp surrounding the seed is eaten. A sweet flavour, but the fruit contains very little edible pulp[]. The bright red to crimson, ovoid to broadly ellipsoid fruit is 30 - 35mm long and 20 - 25mm wide[, ].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is said to have narcotic and sedative properties, producing a deep and restful sleep[, ]. t is employed as a remedy for insomnia, convulsions in children, and hysteria[].

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.
Leaf bud cuttings.

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