Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora pinnatistipula is a vigorous, climbing plant producing rather stout stems that can be several metres long from a perennial rootstock. The stems scramble over the ground or clamber into nearby vegetation, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine, for which purposes it is also sold in local markets. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruits in the Andean countries at elevations between 2,500 - 3,800 metres[, ], and is also grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its very showy flowers[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Peru, Chile.

Habitat

Climbing over shrubs, often near rivers; at elevations from 2,500 - 3,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics and lower elevations in the subtropics, usually found above 2,500 metres in tropical countries[]. It grows in areas where there can be rain all year round, as well as in areas with a distinct dry season of 3 - 5 months[].
Prefers a position in dappled shade[]. Passiflora species generally succeed in a wide range of soils, so long as they are well-drained[]. They tend to flower and fruit more freely when grown in soils of only moderate fertility[].

Edible Uses

Ripe fruits are eaten raw or used for making drinks, ice-cream or marmalades[, , , ]. The pulp is sweet, but rather insipid[]. The fragrant, yellow pulp has an agreeable, sweet-acid flavour[]. Somewhat insipid[]. The yellow-green, subglobose fruit is about 5cm in diameter[, , ].

Medicinal

The fruits are used in the treatment of coughs and lung problems[].

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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