Common Name: Maracuja Suspiro

General Information

Passiflora nitida is a very vigorous climbing plant with a perennial rootstock. It produces annual to perennial stems from 8 - 15 metres long that scramble over the ground or clamber into other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils. In dense forest it climbs into the canopies of trees, only flowering when it reaches the light[].
The edible fruits are greatly appreciated within the plant's native range, where it is collected from the wild and also sometimes cultivated[]. The plant is also cultivated in Indonesia (Java) for its tasty fruits[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam.

Habitat

Secondary forest, riverine forest and creek forests[]. Found in dense forest, and also in savannah[]. Found at elevations up to 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	0.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora nitida is a plant mainly of the lowland tropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,000 metres.
Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Many of the vigorous species, this one included, can succeed in fairly dense shade, but in such a situation they climb into the canopy of the forest in order to get enough light to flourish, flower and produce fruit. 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[, ].
A fast-growing plant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or used to make juices[, ]. The thick-skinned fruit has a juicy pulp with a sweet flavour[]. Tasty[]. The fruit is a globose berry about 3 - 6cm in diameter[, , ]. The ellipsoid to widely ellipsoid (or obovoid), yellow-orange to red or dark purplish-red fruit can be 6 - 11cm × 5 - 8cm[]

Medicinal

The leaves are used to treat intestinal disorders[].

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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