Trees & Plants

Corky-stem passion flower

Ranguveyo, Kulavelau

Passiflora suberosa L.

A common climbing herb in coastal habitats The fruits are a source of food for birds and mammals. A decoction of the leaf is applied externally to treat utricaria and itch. A root decoction is taken to induce menstruation and to treat hysteria. Th reat & damage: It is invasive an

Details

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uses: The fruits are a source of food for birds and mammals. A decoction of the leaf is applied externally to treat utricaria and itch. A root decoction is taken to induce menstruation and to treat hysteria. Th reat & damage: It is invasive and is capable of smothering native species including large trees. The thick corky stems of the climber can pull down trees with its bulk. in
family: Passifloraceae
synonym: Passiflora glabra Mill.
description: Tendrillate climbers. Leaves × simple, alternate, lobed, 4.5-8 3.5-6.5 cm, is smooth; petiole 0.5-2.5 cm, usually with two globular glands to the sides; stipules linear, about 6-7 mm long, lateral veins 5 or 6. Tendrils simple, axillary. Flowers Th of 1.5 – 2 cm diam., pedicel 13-15 mm long, articulated in the upper half. Calyx tube flat, disk-like at the apex, 5-6 mm diam. Perianth lobes 8-9 mm long. Corona in four whorls with decreasing size towards the centre. Stamens attached to gynophore, ca. 2 mm long. Styles 3, free, curved, stigma clavate. Fruit globular to ellipsoid, 10- × 12 10-11 mm; seeds numerous, flattened, obovoid or tear-drop shaped in outline, ca. × 3 2 mm. Testa pitted and corrugated, aril enveloping each seed.
native range: Tropical America
distribution: America, South Africa and Asia-Pacific region
english names: Corky-stem passion flower
flowering fruiting: May - November
occurrence maldives: A common climbing herb in coastal habitats