Blue passion flower

Blue passion flower

Passiflora caerulea (Passifloraceae)

Common Name:

Blue passion flower

Scientific Name:

Passiflora caerulea (Passifloraceae)


Alternative common names:

Siergrenadella (Afrikaans)

Description:

A glabrous, perennial, tendril climber with cylindrical or slightly angular stems, growing to 5m or higher. The leaves are usually deeply five- to seven-lobed and with sickle-shaped stipules. The flowers are green turning yellow or orange and appearing from August-March. Produces yellow or orange, ovoid berries which are reddish inside. This plant invades forest margins, bush clumps, roadsides and river banks.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South America (Brazil to Argentina)

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

How does it spread?

Spread by seed dispersal

Why is it a problem?

Scrambles over and competes with indigenous species and suspected of being poisonous

What does it look like?

General description: A glabrous, perennial, tendril climber with cylindrical or slightly angular stems, growing to 5m or higher.
Leaves: Usually deeply five- to seven-lobed leaves and with sickle-shaped stipules.
Flowers: Green turning yellow or orange and appearing from August-March.
Fruit/Seeds: Produces yellow or orange, ovoid berries which are reddish inside

Does the plant have any uses?

Used as an ornamental plant

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