Passiflora cumbalensis
(H. Karst.) Harms
Red banana passionfruit, Curuba bogotana, Rosy passion fruit, Gullan
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Description
A climbing shrub. It can attach to other plants by tendrils. The fruit are bright red and banana shaped They are 10 cm long by 3.5 cm wide.
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Edible Uses
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.
Traditional Uses
The fruit can be eaten. They are added to ice creams, drinks, and other food preparations.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
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.
Known Hazards
Passion flower is not recommended during pregnancy because it may induce contractions. Consuming passion flower products may cause drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythms, asthma, or rhinitis.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in mountain areas between 2,500-3,000 m above sea level. It grows in the moist tropics. The soils need to be well-drained.
Where It Grows
Andes, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, South America,
Cultivation
A plant of the moist tropics, where it is found at higher elevations from 2,500 - 3,000 metres. 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.
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.
Other Information
It is sold in markets and supermarkets. It is a cultivated food plant.
Synonyms
References (11)
- Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 18(Beibl. 46):13. 1894
- Coppens d'Eeckenbrugge, G., S.D. Segura and E. Hodson de Jaramillo, 1997, Les fruits de la passion. Pp. 291-312 In L'amélioration des plantes tropicales. (A. Charrier and M. Jacquot ,eds.). CIRAD
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 166
- Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
- Fouqué, A., 1972, Espèces fruitières d'Amérique tropicale. Institut français de recherches fruitierès outre-mer
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- Lopez-Diago, D. & Garcia, N., 2021, Wild edible fruits of Colombia. Biota ColomBiana 22 (2) p 47
- National Research Council, 1989, Lost crops of the Incas: little-known plants of the Andes with promise for worldwide cultivation. National Academy Press, Washington DC, U.S.A.
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
- Torre, de la, L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 485
- Ulmer, T., & MacDougal, J.M., 2004, Passiflora Passionflowers of the World. Timber Press. p 69
- Van den Eynden, V., et al, 2003, Wild Foods from South Ecuador. Economic Botany 57(4): 576-603
