Common Name: Chulupa

General Information

Passiflora maliformis is an evergreen climbing shrub producing stems up to 6 metres long[]. These stems scramble over the ground, or clamber into the surrounding vegetation, supporting themselves by means of coiling tendrils.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, especially in the West Indies[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northern and western S. America to the West Indies[].

Habitat

Woods and thickets, usually on moist ground[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora maliformis is found in the warm, moist tropics[]. Plants require a temperature no lower than around 16°c when they are flowering in order to ensure fruit set[].
Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade[]. 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[, ].
Seedlings can commence fruiting when only 1 - 2 years old, whilst cuttings can start fruiting in their first year of growth[].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut back to ground level if required to rejuvenate the plant[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - eaten raw or made into a refreshing drink[]. The sweet, juicy, aromatic, orange-yellow pulp is said to have a grape-like flavour[, , ]. The green or orange-green fruit can be 4 - 5cm in diameter[, ]. The skin of this fruit is around 3mm thick, but can be so hard that a hammer is needed to open it[, ].

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, but there is usually a high percentage[].
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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