Passiflora ciliata
Aiton
(c) kollideoskope, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
(c) pfaucher, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
Passiflora incarnata (maypop) leaves and roots have a long history of use as a traditional medicine by Native Americans in North America and were adapted by European colonists. The fresh or dried leaves of maypop are used to make a tea that is used as a sedative. Passionflower as dried powder or an extract is used as a dietary supplement. There is insufficient clinical evidence for using passionflower to treat any medical condition. Passionflower is classified as generally recognized as safe for use as a food ingredient in the U.S.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a subtropical plant.
Bahamas, Belize, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, South America, USA, Venezuela,
How to Identify
A climbing subtropical vine in the Passifloraceae family.
How to Grow
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. Passiflora ciliata is often grown as an ornamental and has escaped from cultivation. It has been introduced into southern USA (Texas and Florida), where it has become naturalized and is spreading.
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 plant (part not specified) is said to have narcotic and sedative properties, producing a deep and restful sleep. t is employed as a remedy for insomnia, convulsions in children, and hysteria. 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.
Names & Synonyms
Poochil, Pasionaria, Poch, Poch-gaag
References (2)
- FMNH Botany Collections Database - Mesoamerican Ethnobotany emuweb.field museum.org
- Kew Plants of the World Online
