Passiflora membranacea

Passiflora membranacea is an evergreen vine in the passion flower family. Its native range runs from southern Mexico through Central America. It grows in wet tropical regions, often in high forests. In Guatemala, it lives in moist mixed woods and some oak woods. It also grows in thickets, on cliffs, and in white sand. These sites reach about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres] above sea level.

This fast-growing plant climbs with tendrils that coil around nearby plants. Its stems can also spread across the ground. In gardens, it reaches about 16 feet [5 metres] tall and wide. Useful Tropical Plants reports much longer stems, reaching 82 feet [25 metres]. In forests, it can climb into the tree canopy. It keeps its leaves through the year. Gardeners grow it for ornament, as well as its fruit. PFAF lists sunny woodland edges and sites beside south- or west-facing walls.

PFAF gives a flowering season of June to September. Each flower has both male and female parts, and bees pollinate them. The plant is not self-fertile. Seeds ripen from September to November. Fruit set needs temperatures of about 16°C or above during flowering. The sweet fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Each fruit measures about 0.13–0.30 feet [0.04–0.09 metres] long. People also gather fruit from wild plants for local use.

Give this vine moist soil that drains well during active growth. Useful Tropical Plants calls for soil rich in humus. It recommends dappled shade with room to climb toward sunlight. PFAF instead states that the plant cannot grow in shade. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but dislikes strong alkalinity. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11, though it also calls the plant frost tender. Brief cold spells near -5°C may kill the stems. Roots may regrow in spring with mulch and very good drainage.

Seed and spring shoot cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Soak seeds in warm water for 12 hours before sowing. At 20°C, seeds may take one to twelve months to sprout. PFAF advises keeping young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out once the risk of frost has passed. Both plant references report no known hazards. PFAF records no medicinal uses.