Passiflora subpeltata

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Leaves

Both the fruit pulp and leaves are edible; the leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, while the fruit pulp is eaten fresh.

Where to Find It

A tropical plant. It grows in areas of disturbed rain-forest. It has become self sown in some warm temperate coastal places. It needs a temperature above 10°C. It is best with a temperature between 15-30°C. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,300-1,600 m above sea level.

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas*, Brazil, Central America, Cuba*, East Africa, Eswatini, Haiti, India, Madagascar, Mexico, North America, Northeastern India, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Venezuela, West Indies*, Zimbabwe,

How to Identify

A vine which climbs by tendrils. The leaves are simple and 6-8 cm long. They can have 3 blunt lobes. The upper side is bluish green while the underside is covered with a waxy bloom. There are 2-4 stalked glands along the leaf stalk. The flowers are white and have conspicuous bracts around the base. The fruit is 20-60 mm long. They hang singly or in pairs in the axils of leaves. The pulp ripens from white to yellow. The pulp has an unpleasant smell. There are many seeds. The pulp is edible.

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. The plant is often grown as an ornamental. It has escaped from cultivation in some areas outside its native range and is invading native habitats.

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.

Medicinal Uses

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.

Passiflora subpeltata, commonly known as white passionflower, is a passion flower bearing yellow-green fruits. It is a vining plant with three-lobed leaves and 2-3 ornate flowers. It is grown as an ornamental plant. This vine is also a marginal pest in areas.

Other Information

It is enjoyed by children.

Notes

There are about 400 Passiflora species.

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