Passiflora coriacea

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

The globose fruit is up to 20mm 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.

Where to Find It

It is a tropical plant. It has been recorded up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Bolivia, Central America, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America, Venezuela,

How to Identify

A climber. The leaves are oblong (sideways) and 3-7 cm long by 7-25 cm wide. Flowers at the top are in groups and those lower down in the axils of leaves occur singly or in pairs. The fruit are round and 1-2 cm across.

How to Grow

Passiflora coriacea is not frost hardy, tolerating only short periods with temperatures down to 5°c. 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. This species seems to be remarkably untroubled by insect pests - it is not usually attacked by aphids, red spider mites, whitefly or caterpippars, and even slugs and snails generally avoid it if there is other food to eat.

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. Leaf bud cuttings.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are much used in traditional medicine, particularly for treating infections of the kidneys and in general as a diuretic. 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

An infusion of the leaves has been used as an insecticide - specifically they have been used to kill cockroaches in Guatemala.

Passiflora coriacea, commonly known as the wild sweet calabash or bat leaved passion flower, is a tropical vine in the family Passifloraceae. It is fast-growing, with distinct bi-lobed leaves resembling bat wings and purple ornamental fruit that are oval in shape. The leaves are coriaceous (leathery), hence the name. The yellowish-green flowers are typically 2.5 - 3.5 cm wide and form a terminal raceme.

More from Passifloraceae

Adenia cardiophylla

Adenia cissampeloides

Adenia digitata

Wild granadilla, Finger-leaved adenia

Adenia ellenbeckii

Adenia glauca

Adenia gummifera

Snake climber, Green stem