Common Name: Maracuja Pedra

General Information

Passiflora serratodigitata is a climbing plant with a perennial rootstock. It produces annual to perennial stems 5 - 9 metres long that scramble over the ground or clamber into other plants, supporting themselves by means of tendrils[].
The edible fruit is greatly enjoyed in the plant's native range, where it is gathered from the wild[]. The plant is also cultivated for its fruit in some areas, including Brazil, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Puerto Rico[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, north through S. America to Panama and the Caribbean.

Habitat

Old clearings and secondary vegetation[]. When growing in forests, the plant climbs into the canopy in order to flower[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora serratodigitata is a plant of the warm tropical lowlands[].
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[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw, made into drinks, desserts etc[, , ]. The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. A sweet flavour[]. The white, sweet pulp is said to have a flavour like a guava (Psidium guajava)[]. The greenish-yellow to yellow, widely ovoid fruit is 5 - 9cm long and 4 - 6cm in diameter[].
The thin-skinned fruit remains green even when it is fully ripe[].

Medicinal

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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