Giant Granadilla, Badea

Passiflora quadrangularis

Physical Characteristics

Passiflora quadrangularis 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. The plant is not self-fertile. 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

Original range unknown, it is widespread in the Tropics.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Edible Uses: Drink Sweetener Fruit - raw, cooked or used to make drinks[301 ]. Sweetly acid[262 ]. Very palatable[46 ]. The largest fruit of the genus, it is up to 30cm long and has a mild, melon-like flavour[296 , 301 ]. The immature fruit is used as a vegetable - it can be steamed or boiled or added to soups[301 ]. The thick rind of the fruit is cooked in various ways and used as a vegetable[262 ]. The fruit is often used to made juices[317 ]. The roots of old plants are baked or roasted and eaten like yams (Dioscorea spp)[262 , 301 ]. Some caution is advised, since the raw root is narcotic and poisonous[262 ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antiscorbutic Diuretic Dysentery Emetic Narcotic Poultice Sedative Stomachic Vermifuge The root is diuretic, emetic, narcotic and vermifuge[262 ]. It contains passiflorine, an anthelmintic that also causes lethargy[262 ]. When powdered and mixed with oil, the root is used externally as a soothing poultice[262 ]. The leaves are powdered and mixed with oil then used externally as a soothing poultice[262 ]. They are also used in this form to treat liver complaints[262 ]. The fruit is antiscorbutic and stomachic[262 ]. The rind of the fruit is sedative[262 ]. It is used in the treatment of headaches, asthma, diarrhoea, dysentery, neurasthenia and insomnia[262 ].

Known Hazards

The raw root is a potent narcotic and poisonous[262 , 348 ]. The noxious effects of the poison can be counteracted by a decoction of Petiveria alliacea, Cassia sp,, Andropogon sp., and 'bois-trompette'[348 ]. (Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)