Passion fruit
Family Passifloraceae
Passiflora edulis, the passion fruit, is a woody perennial climber, up to 15 m long, with palmately lobed leaves and solitary axillary flowers, 7-10 cm in diameter. The flowers (P. edulis 2) have a corona of two outer rows threadlike radiating filaments, 2-3 cm long, purple at the base and white above; and 5 stamens. The fruit is a berry (P. edulis 3), 4-6 cm across, containing a juicy pulp with many black seeds (P. edulis 4). The fruit is purple or yellow as in the variety Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa (P. edulis 5).
Distribution
The passion fruit is a native of Brazil and was widely distributed throughout the tropics during the 19th century. The early missionaries who recognised in the flower the implements of the crucifixion gave the name passionflower.
The pulp and seeds are eaten fresh or used in fruit salads; large quantities are used for making jams and jellies and drinks.
Commercial cultivation of passion fruit is mainly in Australia, South Africa and Hawaii.