Common Name: Red Banana Passion Fruit

General Information

Passiflora cumbalensis is a climbing shrub, scrambling over the ground or clambering into other plants for support and attaching itself by means of tendrils.
The edible fruit is harvested from the wild for local consumption. The plant is also cultivated within its native range, the fruit being sold in local markets and also exported[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Mountain areas at elevations from 2,500 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at higher elevations from 2,500 - 3,000 metres[].
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[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. An aromatic, mildly biting, orange flesh[]. It is often added to ice creams, drinks, yoghourts and other food preparations[]. The narrowly ovoid, bright red, banana shaped fruits can be 60 - 100mm long and 20 - 35mm wide[, , ].

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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