Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora xiikzodz is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant, producing a cluster of annual to perennial stems 1 - 3 metres long, occasionally to 6 metres, that attach themselves to the surrounding vegetation by means of tendrils[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Belize, Guatemala to southern Mexico

Habitat

Edges, thickets, secondary and primary growth on limestone outcrops or on walls of cenotes, most usually collected on Mayan ruins or small cliffs, in tropical humid or subdeciduous forest; at elevations from 100 - 300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	2.50 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

The purplish-black, ovoid fruit is 20 - 32mm long and 15 - 22mm in diameter[]. There are no reports regarding edibility, though the fruits of most, if not all Passiflora species are more or less edible when fully ripe[]. There are reports, however, for a few species, that the unripe fruit can be unwholesome.

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No more information is given, but one of its common names ('Xiik zodz') translates to ' used in a mix to treat pain'.

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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