Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora quercetorum is a small, erect to weakly climbing or occasionally procumbent herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of annual stems around 30 - 90cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern N. America (northern Mexico (Sonora and Chihuahua)

Habitat

Dry oak forest, lower pine forest and the transitional contact zone[]. Humus-rich soils among rocks on canyon slopes; at elevations from 1,050 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora quercetorum is native to the semi-arid, subtropical climate of northwestern Mexico, where it is found at elevations up to 1,800 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[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. A sweet flavour, the fruit is prized as a treat by children[]/The light yellowish green, widely ovoid fruit is around 35 - 40mm long (including a 4 - 5mm long stipe), and around 25 - 30mm in diameter[]. The pale yellowish, gelatinous arils are much longer than the seed[].

Medicinal

A tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of cough[].

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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