White passionflower (Passiflora subpeltata, Nov. Rar. Pl. Descr. Dec.: 78 (1798))

Family: Passifloraceae

Author: Ortega

Bibliography: Nov. Rar. Pl. Descr. Dec.: 78 (1798)

Year: 1798

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Passiflora

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Venezuela

Description

White passionflower, known scientifically as Passiflora subpeltata, is a captivating member of the Passifloraceae family. The species was first described in 1798 by the botanist Ortega in the publication “Novarum Rariorum Plantarum Descriptiones Decas.”

This stunning plant is native to a broad geographical range extending from Mexico down to Venezuela. Its ability to thrive in various habitats within this range highlights its adaptability and resilience.

The White passionflower is particularly admired for its striking, intricate blossoms. The flowers are predominantly white and exhibit the characteristic complex structure of passionflowers, including elaborate coronas and prominent reproductive organs. This not only makes them visually appealing but also fascinating from a botanical perspective.

In its natural environment, Passiflora subpeltata often participates in mutualistic relationships with local fauna. For example, its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which in turn help facilitate its reproduction.

In addition to its ecological role, this passionflower species holds value in horticulture and traditional practices. Gardeners may cultivate White passionflower for its ornamental beauty, while local communities might utilize various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, although such uses should always be approached with caution and respect for local knowledge.

Overall, Passiflora subpeltata exemplifies the remarkable diversity within the Passifloraceae family and continues to be an object of interest for botanists, horticulturists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: white passionflower, white passionfruit, wild passionfruit, wild passionvine
Spa: granadina
Deu: weiße passionsblume
En: White passionflower, White passionfruit, Wild passionfruit, Wild passionvine, White Passion-Flower, Granadina
Fi: Panamanpassio
De: Weiße Passionsblume
Fa: پسیفلورا سابپلتاتا
Es: Granadina, Parcha de culebra, Parcha de monte

Synonyms

• Passiflora stipulata (Triana & Planch.)
• Passiflora albicans (Loudon ex Mast.)
• Passiflora calcarata (Mast.)
• Passiflora holosericea (Ruiz & Pav. ex Mast.)
• Passiflora lutea (Ruiz & Pav. ex Mast.)
• Passiflora stipulata var. atomaria (Triana & Planch.)
• Passiflora atomaria (Planch. ex Mast.)
• Passiflora adenophylla (Mast.)
• Passiflora neillii (Regel)
• Passiflora alba (Link & Otto)

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Hermano Dante (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874219)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:675494-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Passiflora subpeltata Ortega)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb

Growth