Passiflora ligularis
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| Scientific name | Passiflora ligularis [1] |
|---|---|
| Common names | Sweet granadilla; granadilla [3] |
| Genus | Passiflora [1] |
| Family | Passifloraceae [1] |
| Order | Malpighiales [1] |
| Growth form | Evergreen climbing shrub [3] |
| Native range | Mexico through Central America to Peru and Bolivia; tropical highland forest at about 1,000–3,000 m [2] |
| Mature size | Stems commonly 4–20 m or more when climbing [3] |
| Climate/site | Cool tropical highlands and warm subtropics; humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; sheltered sun or dappled shade [3] |
| Propagation | Seed, stem cuttings, layering, and air layering [3] |
| Fruit | Round to ovoid fruit with a firm yellow-orange rind and aromatic, sweet gelatinous pulp [3] |
| Harvest | Pick ripe fruit after the rind changes from green to yellowish orange [3] |
| Years to fruit | N/A — no dependable species-specific value established [4] |
Passiflora ligularis, commonly called sweet granadilla or granadilla, is an evergreen climbing shrub in the passionflower family, Passifloraceae. It is native from Mexico through Central America to Peru and Bolivia, chiefly in tropical highland forest. [2][3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The plant has scrambling stems that climb with coiling tendrils, ovate leaves, fragrant flowers, and fruits containing black seeds in gelatinous pulp. [3] Its firm fruit rind changes from green to yellowish orange as the fruit ripens. [3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
A humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil with good aeration and a slightly acidic to neutral reaction, approximately pH 6–7, suits the species. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Provide a strong trellis or other support. The vine is associated with humid highland-forest conditions and is described as growing in dappled shade; sheltered exposure is appropriate for its climbing stems. [3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species is adapted to cooler tropical highlands and warm subtropical conditions. Best annual daytime temperatures are reported at about 22–26 °C, while young growth can be severely damaged at around 0 °C. [3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagation is described from seed, young-shoot or mature-wood cuttings, layering, and air layering. [3] Germination performance varies with fruit maturity and fermentation period. [4]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Pollination requirements and wind sensitivity remain uncertain for cultivation. [3] Harvest the fruit after the rind changes from green to yellowish orange. The ripe pulp is soft, translucent, aromatic, and sweet. [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The ripe pulp is eaten fresh, commonly with the seeds, and is used in drinks and desserts. [3]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [4] Aguacía, L. M.; Miranda, D.; Carranza, C. (2015), “Effect of fruit maturity stage and fermentation period on the germination of passion fruit and Passiflora ligularis seeds”, Agronomía Colombiana 33(3): 305–314.
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Passiflora ligularis (1830).jpg: Wikimedia Commons file page. Botanical illustration from Curtis’s botanical magazine, volume 57, plate 2967 (1830), hand-coloured engraving by W. J. Hooker. Public domain.
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- Passiflora ligularis Juss.jpg: Wikimedia Commons file page. Photograph by Johnocampo; CC BY-SA 4.0. Attribution and share-alike terms apply.
