Passiflora actinia aka Sea Anemone Passion Flower

Passiflora actinia is an evergreen vine in the passion flower family. It comes from southern and southeastern Brazil. Its range runs from Rio Grande do Sul to Espírito Santo. Kew places it in the wet tropical biome. It grows in shaded forests, along forest edges, and among shrubs. People gather its wild fruit for local use.

The plant grows fast and has thin, wiry stems. These can reach about 33 feet [10 metres] long. PFAF also lists a spread of 33 feet [10 metres]. Stems trail across the ground or climb through nearby plants. Coiling tendrils grip the plants that support it. Its leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. Growers also keep this species as an ornamental climber.

PFAF gives June to September as its flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate the flowers, and seeds ripen from September to November. Hand pollination can help when growers want fruit indoors. PFAF suggests moving pollen from an older flower to a newly opened one. The fruit has sweet, fragrant pulp. People eat it fresh or cook it. The sources report no known hazards, but provide no detailed safety assessment. PFAF lists no known medicinal use.

The plant needs moist soil that drains well. Useful Tropical Plants calls for soil rich in humus. It favours soil near neutral pH and warns against either extreme. PFAF accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The sources differ on light needs. PFAF rules out shade, while Useful Tropical Plants recommends dappled shade. PFAF suggests sunny woodland edges and sites beside south- or west-facing walls. It also describes growing the plant in pots under glass or near a south-facing window.

Cold limits outdoor growing in cooler regions. Brief drops to about −5°C may be tolerated. Frost can kill the stems while protected roots survive. PFAF advises mulch and sharp drainage to help spring regrowth. It lists USDA zones 8–11, though it calls the plant frost tender. Plants tolerate hard pruning, including cutting back to ground level. Seeds may take one to twelve months to germinate at 20°C. PFAF suggests keeping young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them outdoors after the last expected frost.