Passiflora suberosa aka Cork Passionflower

Passiflora suberosa is a vine that lives for years. It belongs to the passionflower family, Passifloraceae. It comes from the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. Its range reaches warm temperate zones to the north and south. It grows in forests, thickets, and rocky sites. These places may be moist or dry. Plants vary a great deal. They may include several hidden species. More study is needed to sort out their taxonomy.

The vine climbs through plants or trails across the ground. Tendrils grip supports as the thin stems grow. Its listed height at full growth is about 16 feet [5 metres]. Stems can grow about 20 feet [6 metres] long. They can turn woody as they age. The lower stems form corky tissue and ridges like wings. Stems stay below about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] wide. Gardeners grow it for its looks, as a vine or ground cover.

The small fruits turn blue-black. Their shape ranges from round to egg-shaped. Each measures about 0.02–0.05 feet [0.006–0.015 metres] across. People eat the pulp around the seeds raw. The source says it has a pleasant taste. People also use wild plants in local medicine. Reports describe leaf washes for itching and hives. People have used root mixes to bring on menstruation. They have used other mixes for indigestion. These are reports of past uses. They do not prove that these treatments work or are safe.

Grow it in moist soil that drains well. It grows in sandy soils and soils over limestone. It prefers soil with organic matter but copes with poor soil. Once it takes root well, it can cope with much drought. It can also take some salt-laden wind. Some plants from its broad range survive brief, light frosts. This gives no firm cold limit for all plants. It has become a weed in many tropical countries outside its native range. It grows by roads, in grassland, and in disturbed, shady places.

For best results, sow fresh seed with its pulp soon after it ripens. Stored seed may take up to a year to sprout. You can also grow it from young shoot cuttings taken at nodes. Use as food does not prove the whole plant is safe. Field reports link it to poisoning in cattle and ducks. The source notes that tests have not proved its toxicity. Parts above ground contain cyanogenic glycosides, among other compounds.