Passiflora: Difference between revisions

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Passiflora (i. e., passion flower). Including Disemma and Tacsonia.  
Passiflora (i. e., passion flower). Including Disemma and Tacsonia.  
Passifloraceae. PassionFlower. Highly interesting herbs, shrubs, or  
Passifloraceae. PassionFlower. Highly interesting herbs, shrubs, or  
trees, most of the cultivated kinds climbing by means of tendrils,  
trees, most of the cultivated kinds climbing by means of tendrils,  
with flowers of odd structure; some of them produce edible fruits.
with flowers of odd structure; some of them produce edible fruits.
Mostly vines, but some species erect: lvs. alternate, rarely  
Mostly vines, but some species erect: lvs. alternate, rarely  
opposite, the petiole usually gland-bearing, the blade entire,  
opposite, the petiole usually gland-bearing, the blade entire,  
digitately lobed or parted, stipules sometimes present: tendrils  
digitately lobed or parted, stipules sometimes present: tendrils  
(sometimes wanting) lateral, simple: fls. solitary or racemose,  
(sometimes wanting) lateral, simple: fls. solitary or racemose,  
mostly axillary, on articulated and often 3-bracted peduncles, mostly  
mostly axillary, on articulated and often 3-bracted peduncles, mostly  
hermaphrodite, with colors in yellow, green, blue and red, often  
hermaphrodite, with colors in yellow, green, blue and red, often  
large and showy; calyx with short tube (also with long tube when  
large and showy; calyx with short tube (also with long tube when  
Tacsonia is included), the lobes or petals 4 or 5 and narrow, often  
Tacsonia is included), the lobes or petals 4 or 5 and narrow, often  
colored inside, bearing on the throat a simple double or triple showy  
colored inside, bearing on the throat a simple double or triple showy  
fringe or crown; petals 4 or 5 (sometimes wanting, or 3), attached on  
fringe or crown; petals 4 or 5 (sometimes wanting, or 3), attached on  
the calyx-throat; stamens 4 or 5, the filaments joined into a tube in  
the calyx-throat; stamens 4 or 5, the filaments joined into a tube in  
which is the gynophore or stalk of the ovary, the anthers  
which is the gynophore or stalk of the ovary, the anthers  
linear-oblong and versatile; ovary oblong or nearly globular, with 3  
linear-oblong and versatile; ovary oblong or nearly globular, with 3  
styles and 3 many-ovuled parietal placentae: fr. large or small,  
styles and 3 many-ovuled parietal placentae: fr. large or small,  
berry-like, many-seeded, oblong or globular; seeds flat, mostly  
berry-like, many-seeded, oblong or globular; seeds flat, mostly  
ovate, with a fleshy aril.—Species probably 250-300. By some, the  
ovate, with a fleshy aril.—Species probably 250-300. By some, the  
genus Tacsonia is separated from Passiflora, but it is here combined;  
genus Tacsonia is separated from Passiflora, but it is here combined;  
it differs in having an elongated rather than very short calyx-tube  
it differs in having an elongated rather than very short calyx-tube  
or hypanthium; Andean species. See Tacsonia.
or hypanthium; Andean species. See Tacsonia.
With the exception of a few Malayan, Chinese and Australian species,  
With the exception of a few Malayan, Chinese and Australian species,  
the true passifloras are natives of tropical America, some of them in  
the true passifloras are natives of tropical America, some of them in  
the subtropical and warm temperate parts. Many of them are cultivated  
the subtropical and warm temperate parts. Many of them are cultivated  
as curiosities, and some of them for the beauty of their flowers and  
as curiosities, and some of them for the beauty of their flowers and  
for their festooning foliage. The fruit is of many kinds, in most  
for their festooning foliage. The fruit is of many kinds, in most  
 
cases not edible. The ovary is supported on a long stalk, which is inclosed in or usually united with the tube formed by the union of the bases of the filaments. The structure of the fruit is well shown in Fig. 2768; the remains of the floral envelopes have broken from the attachment on the torus and rest on the fruit. A dozen passifloras occur in the United States, and one of them, P. lutea, grows naturally as far north as southern Pennsylvania and Illinois. From Virginia south, the Maypop, P. incarnata, is a very common plant in fields and waste places. Both these species are herbaceous perennials.
cases not edible. The ovary is  
supported on a long stalk, which is inclosed in or usually united  
 
with the tube formed by the union of the bases of the filaments. The  
 
structure of the fruit is well shown in Fig. 2768; the remains of the  
 
floral envelopes have broken from the attachment on the torus and  
 
rest on the fruit. A dozen passifloras occur in the United States,  
 
and one of them, P. lutea, grows naturally as far north as southern  
 
Pennsylvania and Illinois. From Virginia south, the Maypop, P.  
 
incarnata, is a very common plant in fields and waste places. Both  
 
these species are herbaceous perennials.


In cultivation, the passifloras have been considerably hybridized,  
In cultivation, the passifloras have been considerably hybridized,  
and they are also confused with Tacsonia. In 1871 Masters enumerated  
and they are also confused with Tacsonia. In 1871 Masters enumerated  
184 species (Trans. Linn. Soc. 27), but many species have been  
184 species (Trans. Linn. Soc. 27), but many species have been  
discovered since that time. Most of the passion-flowers are yellow or  
discovered since that time. Most of the passion-flowers are yellow or  
green in color of envelopes, but there are fine reds in P. racemosa,  
green in color of envelopes, but there are fine reds in P. racemosa,  
P. Raddiana,P. coccinea, P. alata,P. vitifolia, and others. The  
P. Raddiana,P. coccinea, P. alata,P. vitifolia, and others. The  
species known to gardeners are few, although many kinds are or have  
species known to gardeners are few, although many kinds are or have  
been in cultivation by fanciers and in collections. They usually  
been in cultivation by fanciers and in collections. They usually  
require much rafter room in greenhouses. According to G. W. Oliver,  
require much rafter room in greenhouses. According to G. W. Oliver,  
P. caerulea and Constance Elliott are both hardy at Washington. Not  
P. caerulea and Constance Elliott are both hardy at Washington. Not  
many of the tender species and hybrids are grown to any great extent  
many of the tender species and hybrids are grown to any great extent  
in this country. P. alata and P. quadrangularis are desirable  
in this country. P. alata and P. quadrangularis are desirable  
climbers for a roomy warm greenhouse. P. quadrangularis var.  
climbers for a roomy warm greenhouse. P. quadrangularis var.  
variegata seems to flower quite as freely as the green- leaved one.  
variegata seems to flower quite as freely as the green- leaved one.  
Passifloras are propagated from cuttings of the half-ripened growth,  
Passifloras are propagated from cuttings of the half-ripened growth,  
with bottom heat. P. racemosa and P. Loudonii are a trifle difficult  
with bottom heat. P. racemosa and P. Loudonii are a trifle difficult  
to root from cuttings; the growths should be as ripe as possible for  
to root from cuttings; the growths should be as ripe as possible for  
this purpose. Keep the under surface of the leaves flat on the sand  
this purpose. Keep the under surface of the leaves flat on the sand  
while rooting. The native P. incarnata grows very freely at  
while rooting. The native P. incarnata grows very freely at  
Washington, becoming more or less of a weed and hard to eradicate.
Washington, becoming more or less of a weed and hard to eradicate.
The peculiar charm of these plants lies in the odd flowers, the parts  
The peculiar charm of these plants lies in the odd flowers, the parts  
of which were fancied by the early Spanish and Italian travelers to  
of which were fancied by the early Spanish and Italian travelers to  
represent the implements of the crucifixion (whence both the  
represent the implements of the crucifixion (whence both the  
technical and popular names). Legend and superstition have attached  
technical and popular names). Legend and superstition have attached  
to these plants from the first. The ten colored parts of the floral  
to these plants from the first. The ten colored parts of the floral  
envelope were thought to represent the ten apostles present at the  
envelope were thought to represent the ten apostles present at the  
crucifixion, Peter and Judas being absent. Inside the corolla is a  
crucifixion, Peter and Judas being absent. Inside the corolla is a  
showy crown or corona of colored filaments or fringes, taken to  
showy crown or corona of colored filaments or fringes, taken to  
represent the crown of thorns, or by some thought to be emblematic of  
represent the crown of thorns, or by some thought to be emblematic of  
the halo. The stamens are five, to some suggestive of the five  
the halo. The stamens are five, to some suggestive of the five  
wounds, by others thought to be emblematic of the hammers which were  
wounds, by others thought to be emblematic of the hammers which were  
used to drive the three nails, the latter being represented by the  
used to drive the three nails, the latter being represented by the  
three styles with capitate stigmas. The long axillary coiling  
three styles with capitate stigmas. The long axillary coiling  
tendrils represent the cords or the scourges. The digitate leaves  
tendrils represent the cords or the scourges. The digitate leaves  
suggest the hands of the persecutors. The following sketch of the  
suggest the hands of the persecutors. The following sketch of the  
passion-flower legend is from Folkard's "Plant Lore, Legends and  
passion-flower legend is from Folkard's "Plant Lore, Legends and  
Lyrics," and the illustration (Fig. 2769) is also produced from that  
Lyrics," and the illustration (Fig. 2769) is also produced from that  
book: "The passion-flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a wild flower of  
book: "The passion-flower (Passiflora caerulea) is a wild flower of  
the South American forests, and it is said that the Spaniards, when  
the South American forests, and it is said that the Spaniards, when  
they first saw the lovely bloom of this plant, as it hung in rich  
they first saw the lovely bloom of this plant, as it hung in rich  
festoons from the branches of the forest trees, regarded the  
festoons from the branches of the forest trees, regarded the  
magnificent blossom as a token that the Indians should be converted  
magnificent blossom as a token that the Indians should be converted  
to Christianity, as they saw in its several parts the emblems of the  
to Christianity, as they saw in its several parts the emblems of the  
passion of our Lord. In the year 1610, Jacomo Bosio, the author of an  
passion of our Lord. In the year 1610, Jacomo Bosio, the author of an  
exhaustive treatise on the Cross of Calvary, was busily engaged on  
exhaustive treatise on the Cross of Calvary, was busily engaged on  
this work when there arrived in Rome an Augustmian friar, named  
this work when there arrived in Rome an Augustmian friar, named  
Emmanuel de Villegas, a Mexican by birth. He brought with him, and  
Emmanuel de Villegas, a Mexican by birth. He brought with him, and  
showed to Bosio, the drawing of a flower so stupenduously marvelous,'  
showed to Bosio, the drawing of a flower so stupenduously marvelous,'  
that he hesitated making any mention of it in his book. However, some  
that he hesitated making any mention of it in his book. However, some  
other drawings and descriptions were sent to him by inhabitants of  
other drawings and descriptions were sent to him by inhabitants of  
New Spam, and certain Mexican Jesuits, sojourning at Rome, confirmed  
New Spam, and certain Mexican Jesuits, sojourning at Rome, confirmed  
all the astonishing reports of this floral marvel; moreover, some  
all the astonishing reports of this floral marvel; moreover, some  
Dominicans at Bologna engraved and published a drawing of it,  
Dominicans at Bologna engraved and published a drawing of it,  
accompanied by poems and descriptive essays. Bosio therefore  
accompanied by poems and descriptive essays. Bosio therefore  
conceived it to be his duty to present the Flos Passionis to the  
conceived it to be his duty to present the Flos Passionis to the  
world as the most wondrous example of the Croce trionfante discovered  
world as the most wondrous example of the Croce trionfante discovered  
in forest or field. The flower represente, he tells us, not so  
in forest or field. The flower represente, he tells us, not so  
directly the Cross of our Lord, as the past mysteries of the Passion.  
directly the Cross of our Lord, as the past mysteries of the Passion.  
It is a native of the Indies, of Peru, and of New Spain, where the  
It is a native of the Indies, of Peru, and of New Spain, where the  
Spaniards call it 'the Flower of the Five Wounds," and it had clearly  
Spaniards call it 'the Flower of the Five Wounds," and it had clearly  
been designed by the great Creator that it might, in due time, assist  
been designed by the great Creator that it might, in due time, assist  
in the conversion of the heathen among whom it grows. Alluding to the  
in the conversion of the heathen among whom it grows. Alluding to the  
bell-like shape assumed by the flower during the greater part of its  
bell-like shape assumed by the flower during the greater part of its  
existence (i.e., whilst it is expanding and fading),Bosio remarks:  
existence (i.e., whilst it is expanding and fading),Bosio remarks:  
'And it may well be that, in His infinite wisdom, it pleased Him to  
'And it may well be that, in His infinite wisdom, it pleased Him to  
create it thus shut up and protected, as though to indicate that the  
create it thus shut up and protected, as though to indicate that the  
wonderful mysteries of the Cross and of His Passion were to remain  
wonderful mysteries of the Cross and of His Passion were to remain  
hidden from the heathen people of those countries until the time  
hidden from the heathen people of those countries until the time  
preordained by His Highest Majesty.' The figure given to the  
preordained by His Highest Majesty.' The figure given to the  
Passionflower in Bosio's work shows the crown of thorns twisted and  
Passionflower in Bosio's work shows the crown of thorns twisted and  
plaited, the three nails, and the column of the flagellation just as  
plaited, the three nails, and the column of the flagellation just as  
they appear on ecclesiastical banners, etc. 'The upper petals,'  
they appear on ecclesiastical banners, etc. 'The upper petals,'  
writes Bosio in his description, 'are tawny in Peru, but in New Spain  
writes Bosio in his description, 'are tawny in Peru, but in New Spain  
they are white, tinged with rose. The filaments above resemble a  
they are white, tinged with rose. The filaments above resemble a  
blood-coloured fringe, as though suggesting the scourge with which  
blood-coloured fringe, as though suggesting the scourge with which  
our blessed Lord was tormented. The column rises in the middle. The  
our blessed Lord was tormented. The column rises in the middle. The  
nails are above it; the crown of thorns encircles the column; and  
nails are above it; the crown of thorns encircles the column; and  
close in the center of the flower from which the column rises is a  
close in the center of the flower from which the column rises is a  
portion of a yellow colour, about the size of a reale, in which arc  
portion of a yellow colour, about the size of a reale, in which arc  
five spots or stains of the hue of blood, evidently setting forth the  
five spots or stains of the hue of blood, evidently setting forth the  
five wounds received by our Lord on the Cross. The colour of the  
five wounds received by our Lord on the Cross. The colour of the  
column, the crown, and the nails is a clear green. The crown itself  
column, the crown, and the nails is a clear green. The crown itself  
is surrounded by a kind of veil, or very fine hair, of a violet  
is surrounded by a kind of veil, or very fine hair, of a violet  
colour, the filaments of which number seventy-two, answering to the  
colour, the filaments of which number seventy-two, answering to the  
number of thorns with which, according to tradition, our Lord's crown  
number of thorns with which, according to tradition, our Lord's crown  
was set; and the leaves of the plant, abundant and beautiful, are  
was set; and the leaves of the plant, abundant and beautiful, are  
shaped like the head of a lance or pike, referring, no doubt, to that  
shaped like the head of a lance or pike, referring, no doubt, to that  
which pierced the side of our Savior, whilst they are marked beneath  
which pierced the side of our Savior, whilst they are marked beneath  
with round spots, signifying the thirty pieces of silver.' "
with round spots, signifying the thirty pieces of silver.' "
Passifloras as gardener's ornamental plants.
Passifloras as gardener's ornamental plants.
(J. J. M. Farrell.)
(J. J. M. Farrell.)


These plants constitute a large family or group of evergreen  
These plants constitute a large family or group of evergreen  
climbers. They will show to best advantage when they can be planted  
climbers. They will show to best advantage when they can be planted  
out permanently in a warm conservatory and where they can have  
out permanently in a warm conservatory and where they can have  
comparatively large space to climb. They may also be grown in pots  
comparatively large space to climb. They may also be grown in pots  
when the conditions do not permit other methods of handling.
when the conditions do not permit other methods of handling.
Passifloras may be propagated either by cuttings or seeds. They may  
Passifloras may be propagated either by cuttings or seeds. They may  
be rooted from young growth taken any time from the middle of January  
be rooted from young growth taken any time from the middle of January  
until April. These cuttings are placed in a warm propagating-bed, and  
until April. These cuttings are placed in a warm propagating-bed, and  
kept shaded and moist, and in a short tune they will root; they are  
kept shaded and moist, and in a short tune they will root; they are  
also inserted in small pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in  
also inserted in small pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, in  
equal parts, and plunged in the propagating-bed. When rooted, the  
equal parts, and plunged in the propagating-bed. When rooted, the  
cuttings are potted off, using a compost of loam four parts, leaf-  
cuttings are potted off, using a compost of loam four parts, leaf-  
mold two parts, well-rotted cow-manure one part, and which should  
mold two parts, well-rotted cow-manure one part, and which should  
contain enough sand to keep it porous. Keep shaded until they become  
contain enough sand to keep it porous. Keep shaded until they become  
well established, when they may be given a place well up to the glass  
well established, when they may be given a place well up to the glass  
in full sun. The passifloras are also readily raised from seed sown  
in full sun. The passifloras are also readily raised from seed sown  
in spring, and the plants potted off as soon as big enough.
in spring, and the plants potted off as soon as big enough.
The plants will stand a night temperature of 65° to 70°: this can be  
The plants will stand a night temperature of 65° to 70°: this can be  
increased until it reaches 80° to 85° for a day temperature with sun.  
increased until it reaches 80° to 85° for a day temperature with sun.  
Give ventilation daily, taking into account the state of the weather;  
Give ventilation daily, taking into account the state of the weather;  
while they like plenty of heat, they will not do well in a stagnant  
while they like plenty of heat, they will not do well in a stagnant  
atmosphere; therefore, give air on all favorable occasions. Every  
atmosphere; therefore, give air on all favorable occasions. Every  
morning in bright weather, give them a good syringing, as this is a  
morning in bright weather, give them a good syringing, as this is a  
great aid in keeping them in vigor and supplying the desired  
great aid in keeping them in vigor and supplying the desired  
atmospheric moisture, but this does not mean a very humid atmosphere.  
atmospheric moisture, but this does not mean a very humid atmosphere.  
By pinching, the plants are made to produce several growths. These  
By pinching, the plants are made to produce several growths. These  
plants can be shifted until they are in 10- or 12-inch pots. The  
plants can be shifted until they are in 10- or 12-inch pots. The  
growth may be trained on pillars or along rafters of the  
growth may be trained on pillars or along rafters of the  
conservatory.
conservatory.


When planted out in about 8 or 10 inches of soil, passifloras will  
When planted out in about 8 or 10 inches of soil, passifloras will  
cover a very large space, but sometimes to such an extent as to  
cover a very large space, but sometimes to such an extent as to  
obscure the whole glass. The best place is on a back wall in some  
obscure the whole glass. The best place is on a back wall in some  
house where they may ramble at will. Keep well syringed until they  
house where they may ramble at will. Keep well syringed until they  
 
how flower, when syringing should be discontinued until they are  
show flower, when syringing should be discontinued until they are  
 
through blooming. After the plants have covered the position allotted  
through blooming. After the plants have covered the position allotted  
to them, all that is required is the regulation of the young growth,  
to them, all that is required is the regulation of the young growth,  
so as to keep them from becoming entangled. In winter they may be cut  
so as to keep them from becoming entangled. In winter they may be cut  
back and the exhausted soil replaced by good rich compost. They will  
back and the exhausted soil replaced by good rich compost. They will  
not need a high temperature, doing well in 55° to 60° at night. When  
not need a high temperature, doing well in 55° to 60° at night. When  
they start off into growth again, keep raising the temperature until  
they start off into growth again, keep raising the temperature until  
it has reached the figures already stated. They may now be given  
it has reached the figures already stated. They may now be given  
manure water regularly and throughout the growing season. Keep down  
manure water regularly and throughout the growing season. Keep down  
thrip, red-spider, and mealy-bug by syringing and sponging.
thrip, red-spider, and mealy-bug by syringing and sponging.
The edible-fruited passifloras. (F. W. Popenoe.)
The edible-fruited passifloras. (F. W. Popenoe.)


The principal species of Passiflora that are cultivated for their  
The principal species of Passiflora that are cultivated for their  
fruits in tropical and subtropical regions are P. quadrangularis, the  
fruits in tropical and subtropical regions are P. quadrangularis, the  
granadilla, granadilla real of Costa Rica, barbadine of the French  
granadilla, granadilla real of Costa Rica, barbadine of the French  
colonies, pasion- aria of Cuba, maracuja melao of Brazil; P. edulis,  
colonies, pasion- aria of Cuba, maracuja melao of Brazil; P. edulis,  
also called granadilla, as well as passion-fruit; and P. laurifolia,  
also called granadilla, as well as passion-fruit; and P. laurifolia,  
the water-lemon of the British West Indies, pomme-liane of the French  
the water-lemon of the British West Indies, pomme-liane of the French  
colonies. While P. quad-rangularis is a common garden plant in  
colonies. While P. quad-rangularis is a common garden plant in  
tropical America, it is not so extensively grown in any region as is  
tropical America, it is not so extensively grown in any region as is  
P. edulis in Australia. In the United States these species can be  
P. edulis in Australia. In the United States these species can be  
grown only in the warmest regions; in California P. edulis is the  
grown only in the warmest regions; in California P. edulis is the  
only one that is successfully cultivated in the open, the other two  
only one that is successfully cultivated in the open, the other two  
species being much more susceptible to frost; in south Florida all  
species being much more susceptible to frost; in south Florida all  
three can be grown, although the tropical species are sometimes  
three can be grown, although the tropical species are sometimes  
injured by frost.
injured by frost.


The true granadilla (P. quadrangularis) is a strong rapid-growing  
The true granadilla (P. quadrangularis) is a strong rapid-growing  
climber, frequently planted for ornament in tropical regions and  
climber, frequently planted for ornament in tropical regions and  
allowed to cover arbors and pergolas. Its brownish yellow ovoid  
allowed to cover arbors and pergolas. Its brownish yellow ovoid  
fruits are sometimes 8 inches in length, and within the thin brittle  
fruits are sometimes 8 inches in length, and within the thin brittle  
pericarp is a large number of small flattened seeds surrounded by  
pericarp is a large number of small flattened seeds surrounded by  
gelatinous pulp and subacid juice. When green, they are sometimes  
gelatinous pulp and subacid juice. When green, they are sometimes  
boiled and used as a vegetable; when ripe, the acidulous pulp is  
boiled and used as a vegetable; when ripe, the acidulous pulp is  
refreshing, and is used to prepare cooling drinks, or is eaten with a  
refreshing, and is used to prepare cooling drinks, or is eaten with a  
spoon directly from the fruit.
spoon directly from the fruit.


The passion-fruit (P. edulis) is considerably smaller than the  
The passion-fruit (P. edulis) is considerably smaller than the  
granadilla, rarely larger than a hen's egg, and dull purple when  
granadilla, rarely larger than a hen's egg, and dull purple when  
ripe. Its pulp is slightly more acid than that of the granadilla, but  
ripe. Its pulp is slightly more acid than that of the granadilla, but  
of very pleasant flavor, and highly esteemed in Queensland and New  
of very pleasant flavor, and highly esteemed in Queensland and New  
South Wales, where the plant is cultivated commercially. It is used  
South Wales, where the plant is cultivated commercially. It is used  
for flavoring sherbets, for confectionery, for icing cakes, for  
for flavoring sherbets, for confectionery, for icing cakes, for  
"trifles,"—a dish composed of sponge cake, fruits, cream, and white  
"trifles,"—a dish composed of sponge cake, fruits, cream, and white  
of egg,—for jams, and for other table purposes. The pulp is also  
of egg,—for jams, and for other table purposes. The pulp is also  
eaten directly from the fruit, after adding a little sugar, or is  
eaten directly from the fruit, after adding a little sugar, or is  
used to prepare a refreshing drink, by beating it up in a glass of  
used to prepare a refreshing drink, by beating it up in a glass of  
ice-water and adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. The plants are  
ice-water and adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. The plants are  
grown on trellises about 6 feet high; at the top of the trellis is  
grown on trellises about 6 feet high; at the top of the trellis is  
nailed a crosspiece 18 inches long, from the ends of which are run  
nailed a crosspiece 18 inches long, from the ends of which are run  
two wires, the long branches being allowed to hang down over these to  
two wires, the long branches being allowed to hang down over these to  
the ground. The rows are placed 15 feet apart, with the vines 15 feet  
the ground. The rows are placed 15 feet apart, with the vines 15 feet  
apart in the row_. The young plants must be protected in regions  
apart in the row_. The young plants must be protected in regions  
subject to frost: they begin bearing the second year, sometimes  
subject to frost: they begin bearing the second year, sometimes  
producing a few fruits the first season, and continue in profitable  
producing a few fruits the first season, and continue in profitable  
production four to six years, when they must be renewed.  By proper  
production four to six years, when they must be renewed.  By proper  
pruning, two crops a year can be secured, in regions not subject to  
pruning, two crops a year can be secured, in regions not subject to  
frost.  The most suitable soil seems to be sandy loam, although other  
frost.  The most suitable soil seems to be sandy loam, although other  
soils will grow the plant successfully.  Manure should be supplied  
soils will grow the plant successfully.  Manure should be supplied  
liberally.  In Australia, the profits of passion-fruit culture are  
liberally.  In Australia, the profits of passion-fruit culture are  
reported to run from $100 to $300 an acre annually.  Because of the  
reported to run from $100 to $300 an acre annually.  Because of the  
short life of the vines, they are often planted as a catch-crop in  
short life of the vines, they are often planted as a catch-crop in  
young orchards which have not yet come into bearing. Like P. quad-  
young orchards which have not yet come into bearing. Like P. quad-  
rangularis, this species is often grown as an ornamental plant, and  
rangularis, this species is often grown as an ornamental plant, and  
makes an excellent and rapid-growing cover for fences and trellises.
makes an excellent and rapid-growing cover for fences and trellises.
The passifloras are easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, the  
The passifloras are easily propagated by seeds or cuttings, the  
latter method being preferable in most cases. Seeds should be removed  
latter method being preferable in most cases. Seeds should be removed  
from the fruit, dried in a shady place, and planted in flats of light  
from the fruit, dried in a shady place, and planted in flats of light  
soil. They do not germinate very quickly, but the young plants are  
soil. They do not germinate very quickly, but the young plants are  
easily raised, and may be set out in the open ground when six months  
easily raised, and may be set out in the open ground when six months  
to a year old. Cuttings should be taken from fairly well-matured  
to a year old. Cuttings should be taken from fairly well-matured  
shoots, and should be about 6 inches in length. They are easily  
shoots, and should be about 6 inches in length. They are easily  
rooted in sand, no bottom heat being required. Cuttings of P. edulis  
rooted in sand, no bottom heat being required. Cuttings of P. edulis  
will often fruit in pots at the age of one to two years, and form  
will often fruit in pots at the age of one to two years, and form  
very interesting greenhouse plants. While this species usually fruits  
very interesting greenhouse plants. While this species usually fruits  
prolifically, P. quad- rangularis sometimes requires hand-pollination  
prolifically, P. quad- rangularis sometimes requires hand-pollination  
when grown outside its native habitat.
when grown outside its native habitat.
                               INDEX
                               INDEX

Revision as of 13:46, 22 June 2009


Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

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  1. REDIRECT Passion flower