Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
About
The common passion fruit, *Passiflora edulis*, is a highly cultivated perennial vine prized for its sweet, juicy, and slightly musky fruit. It is notable for its distinct purple or yellow-fruited varieties, which are used commercially for both fresh consumption and juicing.
Field notes
Morphology
The vine produces single flowers 5–7.5 cm wide at each node, featuring 5 oblong green sepals and 5 white petals. The base of the flower is rich purple, supporting 5 stamens, an ovary, and a branched style with a distinct head of stigmas. The fruit is a fleshy pepo, spherical to ovoid, ranging from dark purple (smaller, ~35g) to light yellow (larger, ~80g), with a smooth, leathery rind 9–13 mm thick. Inside, there are typically 250 brown seeds, each 2.4 mm long.
Distribution & habitat
Native to the region spanning southern Brazil, through Paraguay, to northern Argentina.
Cultivation notes
It is widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas, including Florida, Hawaii, and California. The plant generally requires protection from frost, though some cultivars can survive light frosts after heavy pruning.
History & etymology
The name passion fruit is derived from the Latin genus name, *Passiflora*. Around 1700, missionaries in Brazil named it *flor das cinco chagas* or 'flower of the five wounds' to illustrate the crucifixion of Christ.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Argentina, Brazil
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed P. Edulis with another species?
Register the cross — if it's not yet documented you'll be the first contributor. If someone already registered it, you'll be redirected to add your photo.