Brazilian passionflower (Passiflora caerulea, Sp. Pl.: 959 (1753))

Family: Passifloraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 959 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Passiflora

Vegetable: False

Observations: Bolivia to Brazil and N. Argentina

Description

The Brazilian passionflower, Passiflora caerulea, is an intriguing and vibrant member of the Passifloraceae family. This striking plant is lauded for its captivating flowers and enchanting presence, making it a prized addition to gardens and collections worldwide. The species was first described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

Originating from South America, the Brazilian passionflower thrives in a habitat that spans from Bolivia to Brazil and extends into northern Argentina. This wide geographical range attests to its adaptability and resilience in various environments. The plant is known for its vigorous climbing habit, often seen draping elegantly over trellises, fences, and even other vegetation.

Passiflora caerulea produces flowers that are nothing short of spectacular. Each blossom features a unique structure with concentric circles of white and blue petals, complemented by a central crown of filaments splashed with hues of purple, blue, and white. This intricate arrangement not only captivates human observers but also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Brazilian passionflower bears fruit that is both ornamental and edible. The oval-shaped fruits change from green to orange as they ripen and possess a sweet, tangy flavor. These fruits are often used in local culinary traditions and can be enjoyed fresh or in various dishes and beverages.

Despite its exotic origins, Passiflora caerulea is relatively easy to cultivate in non-native regions, provided that it is given ample sunlight and well-drained soil. Gardeners often favor this plant not only for its beauty but also for its low maintenance and rapid growth. It is a hardy species, tolerant to a range of temperatures and conditions once established.

Overall, the Brazilian passionflower is a delightful and robust addition to any botanical collection or garden, celebrated for its stunning flowers, delicious fruit, and ecological value. Whether grown for its ornamental beauty or its productivity, Passiflora caerulea showcases the natural splendor and diversity of the regions it hails from in South America.

Common Names

Eng: bluecrown passionflower, brazilian passionflower, blue passionflower, blue passionfruit, blue-crown passionflower, passion flower
Ita: fior di passione
Mlt: fjur tal-passjoni
Fra: fleur de la passion, passiflore bleue
Deu: blaue passionsblume
Swe: blå passionsblomma
Spa: caña común, flor de pasión, flor-da-paixao, hierba de la pasión, pasionaria, pasionaria azul, passionaria
Por: flor-da-paixão, maracujazeiro-azul, maracujá-azul, maracujá-de-cobra, martírios, passiflora
Ell: rologaki, roloi
Afr: siergrenadella
Nld: blauwe passiebloem
Nno: pasjonsblom
Nob: pasjonsblomst
En: Brazilian passionflower, Blue passionflower, Blue passionfruit, Blue-crown passionflower, Bluecrown passionflower, Blue Passion Flower, Passion flower, Common Passion Flower, Hardy Passionflower, Blue-crown Passion-flower
Af: Siergrenadella, Passieblom
Ar: الساعة (نبات)
Bn: ঝুমকোলতা
Bs: Pasijonka
Bg: Синя пасифлора
Ca: Passionera
Zh: 西番莲，百香果
Cs: Mučenka modrá
Da: Blaa passionsblomst
Nl: Blauwe passiebloem, Passiebloem
Fi: Kärsimyskukka, Kärsimyspassio
Fr: Fleur de la Passion, Passiflore bleue, Grenadille, Passiflore, Fruit de la passion
Gl: Pasiflora azul
De: Blaue Passionsblume, Passionsblume
El: Rologaki, Roloi
Gn: Mburukuja
He: שעונית כחולה
Hu: Kék golgotavirág
It: Passiflora azzurra, Fior di passione, Passiflora
Ko: 시계꽃
Mt: Fjur tal-passjoni
Ne: घडीफूल
Nb: Pasjonsblomst
Nn: Pasjonsblom
Fa: پیچ ساعتی گل آبی رنگ
Pl: Męczennica błękitna
Pt: Maracujá-azul, Maracujá-de-cobra, Maracujá azul, Flor-da-paixão, Maracujazeiro-azul, Martírios, Passiflora, Maracujá de flor azu
Pt-br: Maracujá-azul, Maracujá-de-cobra
Ru: Страстоцвет голубой
Sk: Mučenka belasá
Es: Pasionaria, Passionaria, Flor de la pasión, Caña común, Flor de pasión, Flor-da-paixao, Hierba de la pasión, Pasionaria azul, Passiflora caerulea, Burucuyá, Murucuyá, Murucuá guaraní, Viricujá, Tumbo, Maracuya, Viricuya, Murucua guaraní
Sv: Blå passionsblomma
Uk: Пасифлора блакитна
Vi: Lạc tiên cảnh

Synonyms

• Passiflora caerulea var. alba (Robinson)
• Passiflora hartwiesiana (Mast.)
• Passiflora caerulea var. glaucophylla (G.Don)
• Passiflora stenophylla (Hoffmanns.)
• Passiflora caerulea var. grandiflora (L.H.Bailey)
• Passiflora chinensis (Mast.)
• Passiflora selloi (Dehnh.)
• Passiflora mayana (H.J.Veitch ex Voigt)
• Passiflora granadilla (Gaterau)
• Granadilla caerulea ((L.) Medik.)
• Passiflora caerulea var. regnellii (Mast.)
• Passiflora caerulea var. glauca (Mast.)
• Passiflora caerulea var. angustifolia (G.Don)
• Passiflora loureiroi (G.Don)
• Passiflora caerulea var. imbricata (Mast.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 2, 2019 by Muriel Andrieux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2019 by Giulia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2017 by Anamaria Jakumatović (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Paula Ley Valero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by fede Federica (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2017 by jeannin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 28, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Valérie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Tracey Dixon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Maurizio Azzini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 28, 2018 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Dec 21, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Irabert López (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Alexandre Silva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874199)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:321949-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Passiflora caerulea L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Vine

Growth