Family: Passifloraceae
Scientific name: Passiflora ambigua
Common name: Injo passionflower
Origin: Venezuela

A large fast growing passionflower from the rainforests of Venezuela, which can nowadays be found from Mexico to Ecuador. This species has even been grown by the Maya’s for their 5 cm large, orange-yellow edible fruits. The plants can still be found on old Maya temples. These days it is still being grown as a food crop for local markets. The flowers are pink with purple-white filaments and can grow to around 10-13 cm in diameter. It is a tropical passionflower which, due to its seize can be a great plant for a greenhouse or an atrium, however with some regular pruning it can be a great houseplant as well.

Sowing description: Soak the seeds in fresh orange juice for 24-48 hours and afterwards sow in sowing mix. Cover the pot with a layer of plastic foil or glass. Germinate at a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius.  

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Vilseskogen via Flickr
Photo 2: Katja Schulz