Common Name:

General Information

Passiflora herbertiana is a perennial climbing plant wih stems up to 9 metres long; it scrambles through the surrounding vegetation, attaching itself by means of tendrils.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales and Queensland

Habitat

Along the edges of rainforests and partly cleared areas[, ]. Widespread in moist forests near the coast and further inland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora herbertiana is native to eastern Australia, from the tropics of Queensland to the warm temperate climate of southern New South Wales. Plants are not very frost tolerant, though the roots are somewhat hardier and can survive the winter outdoors if the soil is prevented from freezing[]. If plants are cut down to the ground by frost they can regenerate from the base[].
Prefers a sunny position. Requires a well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season, otherwise it is not fussy[, ]. Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Most species are found in the wild in moist but well-drained soils, generally of a lighter texture, and will often flower and fruit more heavily if the soil fertility is low. They often develop deep roots and can be moderately tolerant of dry spells. Most Passiflora species prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6. 5 - 7.5[, ].
Roots of outdoor grown plants should be restricted in order to encourage fruiting[].
Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[].
If fruit is required, especially when the plant is grown indoors, it is best to hand pollinate, using pollen from a flower that has been open for 12 hours to pollinate a newly opened flower before midday[, ]. The flowers open in sunny weather and do not open on dull cloudy days[].
A fast-growing, climbing plant, attaching itself to other plants by means of tendrils that are produced at the leaf axils.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The white, fragrant pulp has a tasty flavour. The green, subglobose fruit is up to 7cm long[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called 'passiflorina' which has similaritiesr to morphine and is an effective tranquilizer[]. We have no specific information for this species but many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep[].
The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, antihysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. If sown in January and grown on fast it can flower and fruit in its first year[]. The seed germinates in 1 - 12 months at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. It you are intending to grow the plants outdoors, it is probably best to keep them in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Mulch the roots well in late autumn to protect them from the cold.
Cuttings of young shoots, 15cm with a heel, in spring[].
Leaf bud cuttings in spring.
Cuttings of fully mature wood in early summer. Takes 3 months. High percentage[].