Passiflora murucuja

Passiflora murucuja

Family: Passifloraceae

Common names: Virgin Islands passionflower

It  originates from Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These are regions where it is always pretty warm, which implies that this species is perhaps not tropical but however prefers a warm spot. It is not a fast grower, but flourishes already pretty quickly as a small plant, which makes him suitable to use as a houseplant. Give it a light spot, you can put it outside in the summer. One of the notable characteristics of Passiflora murucuja is its fruit type, which resembles a berry. This is a common feature among passion flowers, with the fruit often being fleshy and colorful. The berries of this particular species are known to have a distinct taste and are often used in various culinary preparations. From desserts to beverages, the fruit of Passiflora murucuja adds a delightful flavor that is both tangy and sweet.

Sowing instructions: Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of a fresh passion fruit (of any species). Even so, it can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 – 24°c. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: November 2024