Passiflora quadrangularis 5 seeds "Giant granadilla"

Passiflora quadrangularis

5 seeds

"Giant Granadilla"

Passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as the Barbadine or Giant Granadilla is a fast growing vine, arising from a fleshy root that enlarges with age, and can climb to a height of 10-15 m. It produces showy flowers to 12 cm in diameter with red petals and the purple and white rays. Fruit of the giant granadilla are large, reaching of up to 30 cm in length and turning yellow when mature. The pulp around the seeds is used to flavor ice cream and to make a cooling drink. In addition, the flesh of this fruit is edible. The green fruit is boiled and eaten as a vegetable. The fully ripe flesh is eaten alone or in combination with such fruits as papaya and pineapple.

The griant granadilla grows well over a variety of soil types, but might suffer micro-nutrient deficiencies on highly alkaline soils. It benefits from annual pruning to control its size and to produce young juvenile wood which produces more flowers and potential fruit. It should not be allowed to grow on any tree since it will compete agressively for space in the sun, and it might damage or kill its support. The granadilla passion vine has few pest problems.

The 12 cm flowers are red petals and the purple and white rays and usually need to be hand-pollinated to effect fertilization. It should be done in the late morning, no later than 4 to 6 hours after the flowers open.

Fruit of the giant granadilla reach a length of up to 30 cm and turn yellow when mature. The ripening fruits should be protected with wirecloth enclosures as they are a favorite food of rats, birds, and bats.

As with other yellow passion fruit, the giant granadilla usually is propagated by seeds that germinate in 2-3 weeks. It can be propagated by softwood cuttings under mist, or semi-hardwood in moist sand.

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