Passiflora citrina

Passiflora citrina

Passiflora citrina is a species of Passiflora, commonly known as the Passion Flower. It is a member of the Passifloraceae family, which is comprised of about 500 species of tropical and subtropical plants. The name "Passiflora" comes from the Latin words "passio" (passion) and "flora" (flower), referring to the passion of Jesus Christ.

Description

Passiflora citrina is a perennial vine that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a heart-shaped base. The flowers are bright yellow, hence the name "citrina", which means "lemon-colored" in Latin. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns from green to yellow as it ripens.

Distribution and Habitat

Passiflora citrina is native to Central America, particularly in the countries of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It grows in tropical rainforests, preferring shady, humid conditions.

Cultivation

Passiflora citrina is cultivated for its ornamental flowers. It is a popular choice for tropical gardens and greenhouses. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure. It is also grown for its fruit, which is edible but not as flavorful as other passion fruit species.

Uses

The fruit of Passiflora citrina is edible, but it is not commonly consumed due to its small size and lack of flavor. The plant is primarily grown for its ornamental value. In traditional medicine, parts of the plant have been used to treat various ailments, although there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.

See Also

• Passiflora edulis
• Passiflora incarnata
• Passiflora quadrangularis