Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis produces the famous passion fruits! This climbing semi-woody plant is grown for its ornamental appeal and for its edible fruits with gelatinous and sweet orange pulp. The fruits are rich in vitamins A and C. Sensitive to temperatures below 0°C (32°F), it is wise to grow it in a container. This botanical species produces small, scented white flowers in summer, which give way to its ovate purple fruits. This passion flower requires well-drained soil that is not too dry. It needs heat in summer to bloom, and fairly dry soil in winter to thrive. Plant in autumn for a harvest from August to October.

Mostly originating from tropical areas in South America, passion flowers belong to the large Passifloraceae family, which includes 400 species and numerous spontaneous or horticultural hybrids. Passiflora edulis is a botanical species originating from southern Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Paraguay.

This voluble and vigorous plant attaches itself to its support using tendrils, reaching an average height of 4m (13ft) with a spread of up to 10m (33ft)! It is characterised by its semi-woody stems adorned with evergreen leaves measuring 20cm (8in) in length. The leaves bear a thick, lobed, dentate margin.

Its flowering lasts all summer. It consists of flowers measuring an average of 7cm (3in) in diameter, which constantly renew themselves on the plant. Its pleasantly fragrant solitary flowers are composed of white petals topped with a crown of white filaments, which are purple at their base. The flowers of this self-fertile variety give way to ovoid fruits measuring 4 to 6cm (2in) in length, with a sweet and slightly acidic flavour. They emit a deliciously exotic scent. They should be harvested at the end of summer, when the skin is slightly wrinkled. This is usually between August and October. The juicy and gelatinous pulp (aril) contains numerous black seeds. The fruits can be consumed raw, in juice, ice cream, mousse, fruit salads, or simply eaten as is, cut in half and enjoyed with a spoon. They are renowned for their medicinal properties: antioxidant, rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, fibre, flavonoids, etc.