Common Name: Maracuja De Restinga

General Information

Passiflora mucronata is a vigorous climbing plant with a perennial rootstock. It produces slender, flexible, annual to perennial stems that scramble over the ground or clamber into other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[].
The edible fruits are greatly appreciated and are gathered from the wild for local consumption[]. The plant also has local medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil (Rio de Janeiro to Paraíba)

Habitat

Climbing into shrubs in the coastal forests (restingas)[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bats
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of lowland areas in the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 600 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[, ].
The plant can flower and fruit all year round, with a maximun flowering from Fberuary to May in Brazil[].
The flowers open in the evening and close in the early hours of the morning, pollination being carried out by bats[].
This species is similar to, and can be difficult to separate from, Passiflora galbana[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, ]. A juicy pulp with a sweet flavour[]. The ovoid fruit is up to 4 - 6cm long by 2 - 4cm wide[, ].

Medicinal

The roots are antidote[, ].

The seeds are anthelmintic[, ].

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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