Yellow Granadilla

Passiflora laurifolia

Physical Characteristics

Passiflora laurifolia is an evergreen Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - eastern Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Guyanas to the Caribbean.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Drink Sweetener Fruit - raw or made into a refreshing drink[301 , 317 ]. The orange-yellow fruits have a fragrant, juicy, agreeably subacid pulp[301 ]. The fruit is sometimes eaten by making a hole in one end and sucking out the pulp and seeds[301 ]. The fruit is rich in vitamin C[317 ]. The ovoid fruit is about 8cm x 4cm[200 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Bitter Narcotic Poultice Vermifuge Vitamin C The content of the glycoside passiflorin can produce weak narcotic effects[317 ]. (I believe this is found mainly in the leaves or roots[K ].) A cold, salted decoction of the root is said to be an effective vermifuge[348 ]. An infusion of the stems and leaves is used as a children's vermifuge[348 ]. The leaves are vermifuge[348 ]. The powdered leaves are bitter and considered to be an anthelmintic[348 ]. A poultice of the leaves is used for dressing syphilitic ulcers[348 ]. The green fruit contains acetone and a cyanogenic heteroside which disappears upon maturity of the fruit[348 ].

Known Hazards

The leaves are said to be poisonous[418 ].