Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora herbertiana is a perennial climbing plant wih stems up to 9 metres long; it scrambles through the surrounding vegetation, attaching itself by means of tendrils.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales and Queensland

Habitat

Along the edges of rainforests and partly cleared areas[, ]. Widespread in moist forests near the coast and further inland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora herbertiana is native to eastern Australia, from the tropics of Queensland to the warm temperate climate of southern New South Wales. Plants are not very frost tolerant, though the roots are somewhat hardier and can survive the winter outdoors if the soil is prevented from freezing[]. If plants are cut down to the ground by frost they can regenerate from the base[].
Prefers a sunny position. Requires a well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season, otherwise it is not fussy[, ]. 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[, ].
Roots of outdoor grown plants should be restricted in order to encourage fruiting[].
Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[].
If fruit is required, especially when the plant is grown indoors, it is best to hand pollinate, using pollen from a flower that has been open for 12 hours to pollinate a newly opened flower before midday[, ]. The flowers open in sunny weather and do not open on dull cloudy days[].
A fast-growing, climbing plant, attaching itself to other plants by means of tendrils that are produced at the leaf axils.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The white, fragrant pulp has a tasty flavour. The green, subglobose fruit is up to 7cm 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[].
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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