Native Passionfruit

~ Passiflora herbertiana ~

PASSIFLORACEAE

The structure of the Passionflower has always intrigued me: its eccentric appearance seemingly stems from a Surrealist’s dreamscape. All of the flower’s sexual bits, which in ‘standard’ blossoms are generally held in private, are on full display with the Passionflower. Its ovary is held on a long stalk (called a gynophore) along with the stamens, stigma and style all held above the sepals and petals. This flower’s unfolding beauty is only matched by its delectable fruit. The Native Passionfruit sits beside the common purple passionfruit, Passiflora edulis (edulis meaning edible), under the Passiflora (or Passionfruit) genus. Although the native species are around half the size, they are still tasty, with our Passiflora herbertiana species reported to be the yummiest of the Australian species. Try it yourself as an alternative to the exotic counterpart.

WHERE TO LOOK

This climbing shrub enjoys the sunnier spots around the edges of rainforests along the coast and near coastal ranges of eastern Australia. From Batemans Bay in New South Wales to Cairns in tropical Queensland, it can be found in many different environments and soil types, but prefers a bit of moisture and fertility. It comes to life after rainfall.

Locations → Queensland: Toohey Forest Park, Mount Nebo and Apple Tree Park in Springbrook; NSW: Eurobodalla National Park and Burrewarra Point Reserve.

FEATURES

The arms of this scrambling vine can reach lengths of up to 9m. When young, the leaves are in the shape of a moth; they transform into a heart shape (sometimes with pointed lobes) up to 4–12cm long and 4–11cm wide, and are covered in fine hair. The 6cm flowers start their life as an orange bud, emerging green and maturing to orange. Its signature characteristic is the pair of glands at the top of the leaf stalk that ants can be seen visiting. The 4–7cm fruit is a ‘passionfruit’ berry, green with white spots. It’s around half the size of the common passionfruit, though similarly holds many seeds among its pulpy insides.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring → Flowers are known to bloom mainly through August, September and October, though they have also been seen from July. Fruit forms throughout the summer.

PLANTING

Plants and seeds are easily found online and in specialty nurseries with a little pre-treatment needed for harvested seeds. Soak the seed in warm water (around 25°C) for 24 hours to help it germinate in 30 to 60 days. Plant it out in a semi-shaded position and keep it well watered. Once mature (around three years), this vine will produce fruit four months after flowering.