Passiflora manicata

(A.L. Jussieu) Persoon

Red passionflower

Passifloraceae Edible: Fruit 471 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Passiflora manicata is a species of Passiflora from Colombia and Ecuador.

Description

A climbing plant. The stems are 3 m long. They have coiling tendrils. The fruit are small and green. They are 6 cm across. The pulp is orange. There are only a few seeds.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The orange pulp has an agreeable, piquant flavour. The fruit can also be used to make a pleasant beverage. The green, ovoid fruit is about 35 - 60mm long and 25 - 35mm wide.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also mixed with milk to make a drink.

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.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows at higher elevations. It grows between 1,500-2,500 m above sea level. It grows well in Mediterranean climates. It needs well-drained soils.

Where It Grows

Andes, Colombia, Ecuador, Hawaii, Pacific, Peru, South America, USA, Venezuela,

Cultivation

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics, where it is found at 1,500 - 2,500 metres. It grows well in Mediterranean-type climates. Plants are not so vigorous, nor do they flower so well, when grown at lower elevations. 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 occasionally cultivated.

Also Known As

Auka taksu, Piri piri gullan, Sacha granadilla, Sacha puru puru, Taksu, Taxo cultivado, Taxo silvestre

References (10)

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 167
Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 614
Killip, E.P, 1938, The American species of Passifloraceae. Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Bot. Ser. 191-613.
Lopez-Diago, D. & Garcia, N., 2021, Wild edible fruits of Colombia. Biota ColomBiana 22 (2) p 47

Show all 10 references

Martin,
Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 451
Syn. pl. 2(1):221. 1806
Torre, de la, L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 486