Passiflora vitifolia aka Perfumed Passionflower

Taxonomy

Passiflora vitifolia, also known as the perfumed passionflower, is a vigorous climber native to southern Central America and northwestern South America. This species features slender, downy, reddish-brown stems and glossy, dark green leaves with three lobes resembling grape leaves. From early summer to autumn, it produces large, bowl-shaped, bright red flowers measuring up to 20cm across, with filaments that can be red, white, or yellow. The vine bears edible, egg-shaped fruits that are green with white mottling. These fruits, which are about 5cm long and 3cm broad, have green flesh speckled with white and are covered in slight downy hairs. When they fall off the plant, they are initially sour and take about a month to ripen fully, developing a flavor reminiscent of sour strawberries. The fragrant nature of the fruit has led to its cultivation in the Caribbean on a small scale.

Common names

Perfumed Passionflower, Perfumed Passion Flower, Vine Leaf Passion Flower

How to care for Perfumed Passionflower

Difficulty

Perfumed Passionflower presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Perfumed Passionflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Perfumed Passionflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Perfumed Passionflower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Vine Leaf Passion Flower.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Perfumed Passionflower to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia