Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora karwinskii is a procumbent to weakly climbing herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of several to numerous annual stems 70 - 200cm long from a bulky, woody taproot. The stems often form procumbent mats of growth, though they can also attach themselves to nearby vegetation by means of tendrils[].
The plant is probably harvested from the wild for use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla)

Habitat

Hghly seasonally dry forests of oak, pine with oak, and juniper with oak; at elevations from 1,550 - 2,500 metres, mainly above 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	1.00 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[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit. The greenish, ovoid fruit is 30 - 45mm long (including a 1 - 4mm long stipe) and 18 - 26mm wide, containing translucent, whitish to pale yellowish arils that are sweet and heavily fruity-scented at maturity (the odour being detectable even when the fruit is unopened)[].
We have no specific record of this fruit being eaten, but the fruits of all Passiflora species are nore or less edible[], and this species is closely related to Passiflora bryonioides, whose fruit is recorded as being eaten. The description of the fruit also suggests edibility[].

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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