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Passion Fruit VineThe passion fruit vine (Passiflora edulis) is a native of Southern Brazil and is thought to have been introduced to the island of Barbados in the nineteenth (19th) century. This aggressive vine climbs at a rate and clings to just about anything in its path by way of its tendrils. However, amidst that aggression, it has a relatively short lifespan of five (5) to seven (7) years.
The evergreen leaves of passion fruit are deep green and glossy above with a paler underside. Llike the young stems and tendrils, they are tinged with red or purple, specially in the yellow form.
The passion fruit vine bears a single, fragrant flower that is born at each node on the new growth. Purple passion fruit is self-fruitful but pollination occurs best when conditions are humid. The flowers of the yellow form are perfect but self-sterile. Pollination is primarily done via carpenter bees, more so than honey bees though hand pollination is also possible. The polination process is not really assisted by the wind based on the heavy and sticky nature of the pollen.
The almost rounded fruit of the passion fruit vine has a tough rind that has a smooth and waxy coating that ranges in colour from dark purple with faint, fine white specks, to pale yellow. Within this fruit. The unique flavor is appealing, musky, guava-like and sweet/tart to tart. The yellow form has generally larger fruit than the purple, but the pulp of the purple is less acid, richer in aroma and flavor and has a higher proportion of juice (35-38%). Numerous hybrids have been made between purple and the yellow passion fruit, often yielding colors and other characteristic intermediate between the two forms. The vine, especially the yellow form, is fast-growing and will begin to bear in 1 to 3 years. Ripening occurs 70 to 80 days after pollination.
Health Benefits Associated with Passion FruitThe fruit of the passion fruit vine is high in Vitamins A and C and is rich in potassium, calcium, iron and other nutrients. In Barbados we tend to focus predominantly on the fruit for its many benefits but the seeds of the passion fruit are of particular importance as well.
The passion fruit vine is quite easy to grow and acts well as an ornamental garden piece in gardens on the island of Barbados. Trellises are set up for the growth of these vines to take charge of in anticipation of the very beneficial fruits that will be harvested in a couple years.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page should not be interpreted as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site.
Readers should consult the appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well being.
The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best information available to the writers. However, readers who fail to consult the appropriate health authorities automatically assume risk of any injuries. Barbados Pocket Guide is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page should not be interpreted as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this site.
Readers should consult the appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well being.
The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best information available to the writers. However, readers who fail to consult the appropriate health authorities automatically assume risk of any injuries. Barbados Pocket Guide is not in any way responsible for errors or omissions.
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