Passion Flower, Purple granadilla

Passiflora edulis

Physical Characteristics

Passiflora edulis is an evergreen Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina.

Habitats

South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Drink Oil Sweetener Fruit - raw or cooked. An agreeable cooling taste[2, 3, 46, 171], somewhat like an orange with a mixture of acid[4]. The ripe aromatic fruit is allowed to wrinkle and develop sweetness, it is then eaten raw, juiced, made into a syrup or used in sauces, cakes etc[183]. The fruit is about 5cm in diameter[200]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Grown commercially in Australia and New Zealand.

Medicinal Uses

Stimulant Tonic The pulp of the fruit is stimulant and tonic[240].

Known Hazards

None known