Passiflora edulis is the scientific name.

Common names include, Passion Fruit, Granadilla, Purple Granadilla, Yellow Passion Fruit

Some of the Related Species: Fragrant Granadilla (Passiflora alata), Red Granadilla (P. coccinea), Maypop (P. incarnata), Yellow Granadilla (P. Laurifolia), Sweet Granadilla (P. ligularis), Sweet Calabash (P. maliformis), Banana Passion Fruit (P. mollissima), Giant Granadilla (P. quadrangularis).

South America seems to be the starting place of the purple/yellow passion fruit.  Yellow it seems is from unknown origin or from early documentation the Amazon region of Brazil.  It is also said that it is a hybrid of two other passion fruits. In either case the passion fruit is a favorite of many gardeners and what most people do not realize is the health benefits from this beautiful vine and fruit.

The passion fruit, in general, prefer subtropical and frost free environments.  In saying this, the vines seem to take upper 20’s (F) with no serious damage.  The leaves will fall off, but as soon as the temps get back to normal they start up, it seems, more vigorous then before.  Heavy mulching of the roots is the requirement for this to occur.  With hot summer heat the plant also does not thrive, it will survive but the growth seems to go dormant.  Yellow passion seems to be more tolerant of both the cold and the heat.  It is usually a good idea to protect these fruits from wind and if local conditions are not good for rainfall, to water at least weekly.  These plants also seem to perform well indoors.

They are a vigorous climber.  They cling to anything they can grab.  They grow quickly and 15 – 20 feet per year once established.  They should have strong support.  Their life cycle seems to be short in 5-7 years, but new plants can be planted and fruit can happen the same year.

The leaves are evergreen and alternate, 3 lobed leaves when mature.  They start of as a single lobed leaf when young and when they reach a height of 2-3 feet the 3 lobed leaves start to appear.  They are large leaves of 3 to 8 inches in length and have a deep green appearance with a glossy look.  Dull and pale underneath.  They have many tendrils to hold onto anything they touch.

They have a single fragrant flower between 2-3 inches wide.   Purple passion fruits are self pollinating and do not require insects, however the yellow is dependant on bees and ants for fruit.  This should be kept in mind when growing indoors.  Yellow passion fruit would need to be pollinated by hand, but many do this with outdoor plants as well to guarantee fruit.

The fruit is 1-3 inches wide and has a touch outer coating that is smooth and waxy.  The name of the plant is the color of the fruit not the flower.  Inside the fruit are hundreds of seeds that are edible along with ample juice.  The flavor is unique and can be added to other drinks if desired.  Usually the fruit will begin in 1-2 years, sometimes 3.  Ripening occurs 70-80 days after pollination.

The plant prefers full sun except for very hot areas.  With hot areas partial sun is preferred.  The vine can grow rampant, so plant next to a fence or strong trellis.  You can also train the plant on an attractive arbor.

The plant will take many soils with the exception of clay soils, the plant prefers well drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and care should be taken to provide soil that is not too acidy.  Lime should be used for these areas.  They have shallow roots so mulching is a benefit.

To keep the plant in check and esthetically appeasing you should prune to keep them in control.  Prune early spring or after the harvest.  Remove weak growth and cut back vigorous grown by 1 third.

Wait until the fruit drops to the ground before using them, to pick it prematurely will result in better juice.  The fruit is sweetest when slightly shriveled.  The juice freezes well.

Here are some of the cultivators

Purple form
Black Knight

Developed in Massachusetts for pot culture by Patrick Worley. Fragrant, dark purple-black fruit, the size and shape of large egg. Flavor excellent. Vigorous, compact vine, self-fertile, very fruitful. Handsome glossy foliage. Excellent for containers.

Edgehill

Originated in Vista, Calif. Similar to Black Knight, but more vigorous, larger growing and with larger purple fruit. One of the best outdoor cultivars for Southern California.

Frederick

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Large, nearly oval fruit, greenish-purple with reddish cast. Slightly tart flavor. Good for eating out of hand, excellent for juicing. Extremely vigorous, self-fruitful vine. Very productive, more compact than P. edulis flavicarpa.

Kahuna

Very large, medium purple fruit. Sweet, subacid flavor. Good for juicing. Vigorous, productive self-fertile vine. Produces over a long season. Large, attractive foliage.

Paul Ecke

Originated in Encinitas, Calif. Medium-sized purple fruit of very good quality. Suitable for juicing and eating out of hand. Compact, very productive vine.

Purple Giant

Very large fruit, dark purple when mature.

Red Rover

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Medium to large, roundish fruit. Rind an attractive clear red color. Sweet, notably rich flavor with tart overtones,. Good for eating out of hand or juicing. Vine very vigorous, compact and self-fertile.

Yellow form
Brazilian Golden

Large, golden-yellow fruits, larger than standard forms. Flavor somewhat tart. Extremely vigorous vine, requiring cross-pollination. Extra large, fragrant flowers, white with a dark center, blooming during mid-summer. Produces one large crop beginning in late August or early September.

Golden Giant

A large yellow-fruited cultivar that originated in Australia.

The health benefits from these fruits are outstanding.  They are rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, iron and potassium.  If eaten with the seeds it is an excellent source of dietary fibber.

The fruit has somniferous properties and if taken before going to bed they will help to relax you and give you a nice sleep.  They also have a febrifugal and soporific properties.

An official press release in 2002 from Ecuador states**

1. Passion fruit juice inhibits cancer cell growth in two types of cancer cells in culture.* While work continues in this area, the phytochemicals in passion fruit juice are thought to decrease cancer cell growth while at the same time, increase cancer cell death.
2. 
   The phenolic profile of passion fruit consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Passion fruit juice is also rich in carotenoids. This analytical information was not known prior to this research. This information is useful to predict health benefits and understand effects of processing on those health benefits. The potential for health benefits related to protecting the heart and preventing cancer from phenolics and other phytochemicals is great.
3. The phenolic profile of passion fruit is promising for its anti-microbial activity thus perhaps leading to a way to preserve foods by using passion fruit. Perhaps future research will show it will inhibit the bacteria responsible for ulcers (helicobacter pylori).* Preliminary data shows that passion fruit juice inhibits the growth of e.coli.*
4. Passion fruit juice is a good source of antioxidants, both that are water soluble (vitamin c) and those that are fat soluble (carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids).*
5. Pasteurization of passion fruit juice has no effect on stability of color or the antioxidant capacity. This is ideal for products that are required to be pasteurized.
6. Passion fruit is high in carbohydrates, simple sugars that are rapidly available during athletic performance.
   Passion fruit contains plant sterols. Plant sterols are compounds that have been suggested to help lower cholesterol.
7. One glass of passion fruit juice equals 50% of the day's vitamin C requirement. This is equal to grapefruit and higher than mango, pineapple, lemon and orange.
   One glass of passion fruit juice provides about 60% of the daily value for vitamin A, mostly because of the carotene content.
8. Passion fruit is a significant source of potassium. It contains more potassium than an orange. One glass of passion fruit juice meets 40% of the suggested daily intake.

*more work continues in these findings.

**EPPA,
The Ecuadorian Passion Fruit Processor's Association

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