Description

A group of climbing plants with tendrils often found growing in neglected or weedy areas.

The flowers can range in colour from white to pale purple, to greenish yellow, and sometimes red. Flower size can range from 6mm in diameter (for Passiflora suberosa) to 10cm (for Passiflora caerulea).

The leaves are usually 3-5 lobed, but in certain species, can be undivided with an entire margin (Passiflora suberosa and Passiflora foetida). Opposite the leaves are long curling tendrils.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

Symptoms

Unripe fruit may cause nausea and vomiting.

Images

Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Wild passionfruit

Botanical namePassiflora species (most common species Passiflora suberosa, Passiflora caerulea and excluding Passiflora edulis)

Family: Passifloraceae

General description: Robust herb up to 3m tall, cultivated as a crop but sometimes found as a weedy escape.

Flowers: The flowers can range in colour from white to pale purple, to greenish yellow, and sometimes red. Flower size can range from 6mm in diameter (for Passiflora suberosa) to 10cm (for Passiflora caerulea).

Leaves: The leaves are usually 3-5 lobed, but in certain species, can be undivided with an entire margin (Passiflora suberosa and Passiflora foetida). Opposite the leaves are long curling tendrils.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are oval to round in shape, with a fleshy pulp containing numerous seeds. Immature fruit is green, turning dark purple to black when ripe.

Last updated: July 2023