We are following the treatment in 'A taxonomic revision of Passiflora subgenus Decaloba (Passifloraceae) in Brazil'[], which is accepted by the on-line Flora do Brasil 2020 (http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/reflora/floradobrasil/FB123052 Accessed on: 26 Jun. 2019). Some other treatments place this taxon as a synonym of Passiflora organensis Gardner (treated here as a synonym of Passiflora porophylla).

Common Name: Nensi

General Information

Passiflora porophylla is an evergreen climbing shrub. Its shoots scramble over the ground or clamber into other plants, attaching themselves by means of coiling tendrils[].
The edible fruit is a popular food and it is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and trade. The plant also has a range of medicinal applications and is often grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - eastern Brazil

Habitat

Dense rainforest, semi-deciduous forest and savannah, usually in localities associated with roadsides, transition vegetation, and the presence of rivers[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Very tolerant of a range of environmental conditions, so long as the temperature does not fall below 10°c[]. Plants require a temperature no lower than around 16°c when they are flowering in order to ensure fruit set[].
An easily grown plant, it requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade where it can grow up towards the sun[]. Prefers a circumneutral soil, disliking very acid or very alkaline conditions[]. Passiflora species tend to flower and fruit more freely when grown in soils of only moderate fertility[].
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 - a sweet flavour, they are eaten raw or used to make drinks[, ]. The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. The round fruits have a yellow pulp and a special flavour[]. They are much in demand in parts of Brazil for making pastries[]. The black or purple, globose to subglobose fruit is about 10 - 24mm long and 10 - 21mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves are laxative and diuretic[].

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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