Passiflora tetrandra
(Sol.) Cheeseman
Kohia, New Zealand passionfruit
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPassiflora tetrandra (Māori: kōhia), also known as New Zealand passionflower, New Zealand passionfruit, or kohe, is a climbing vine found in New Zealand. Of the c. 500 species of passionflower, this is the sole species native to New Zealand.
Description
A slender climber. It can climb high. The leaves are shiny green. They are alternate and 6 cm long. Plants are separately male and female. The flowers are small and white. They have a sweet scent. The fruit are bright orange berries.
Edible Uses
The fruit is edible. An edible gum is also obtained from the stem.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
New Zealand*,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.
Propagation
Pre-soak seed for 12 hours in warm water, then sow in late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. Seed sown in January and grown on quickly can flower and fruit within its first year. Germination takes 1–12 months at 20°C. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle. Plants intended for outdoor growing are best overwintered in the greenhouse during their first year, then planted out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Mulch roots well in late autumn for cold protection. Take cuttings of young shoots (15cm with a heel) in spring, or use leaf bud cuttings in spring. Cuttings of fully mature wood taken in early summer take about 3 months and have a high success rate.
Other Uses
The plant can be used as a slow match for lighting. A fragrant body oil can be obtained from the seed.
Notes
There are about 400 Passiflora species.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 39
- Matthews, J., 1987, New Zealand Native Plants for your Garden. Pacific Publishers, p 84
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Prodr. 3:323. 1828 - Passiflora tetrandra Banks ex DC.
