Plant Information

Common Name: FRUIT - PASSION FRUIT - BUSH PASSION FRUIT
Scientific Name: Pasiflora foetida
Alternative Names: Wild maracuja, Wild water lemon.

N/A

R120.00

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Description

• Perennial
• Passiflora foetida is found from the warm temperate zone to the tropics of North and South America.
• The specific epithet, foetida, means "stinking" in Latin and refers to the strong aroma emitted by damaged foliage.
• Passiflora foetida is a climbing perennial vine growing from a woody rootstock - producing thin and wiry vines covered with minute sticky yellow hairs.
• The flowers are white to pale cream and followed by yellowish-orange fruit to red when ripe.
• Passiflora foetida can flower and produce fruit all year round.
• It tolerates arid soil but favors moist areas.
• They are not very tolerant of frost, and can be killed by temperatures falling to around 3°c.
• Passiflora foetida is a protocarnivorous plant and able to trap insects on its bracts, which exude a sticky substance that also contains digestive enzymes.

Culinary Uses

• The fruits are roughly the size of a ping pong ball or kumquat and contain a bluish-white pulp that is mildly sweet and delicately flavored.
• Fully ripe fruit can be eaten raw and made into drinks.
• Young leaves and plant tips are also edible.

Parts Used

• The whole plant.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

• The whole plant is boiled, and the liquid used as an anthelmintic for intestinal nematodes and flatworms, colds, chest coughs, asthma, and tuberculosis.
• It is considered to have sedative properties and is used in the treatment of neurasthenia, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, and hypertension.
• An infusion of the leaves is used for healing wounds.
• Passiflora foetida, has very clear analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.
• Fluid, pressed from the leaves and stem, is used to improve fertility in women.

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff