Contents
Description
Passiflora Aurantia, also known as Orange Passionflower, is a species of passionflower that belongs to the Passifloraceae family. It is a vine that can grow up to 10 meters long, with woody stems and tendrils that help it climb and cling to supports. The plant has fragrant flowers and oval-shaped fruits that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Passifloraceae |
| Genus | Passiflora |
Appearance
The leaves of Passiflora Aurantia are alternate and ovate, with a length of 5 to 15 cm and a width of 3 to 10 cm. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of 6 to 8 cm, and have five petals and five sepals. The petals are orange or yellow, while the sepals are green. The plant’s fruit is a round or oval berry that is orange or yellow when ripe, with a diameter of 4 to 5 cm.
Care Guide
Passiflora Aurantia requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and it should be well-draining. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. It needs full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to 10°C. It is hardy in zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Passiflora Aurantia is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. It can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these problems, it is recommended to keep the plant well-watered, avoid overcrowding, and prune regularly. If necessary, use an insecticide or fungicide to control pests and diseases.
Habitat
Passiflora Aurantia is native to South America and can be found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It grows in tropical and subtropical regions, usually in forests, along streams, and in disturbed areas. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Passiflora Aurantia be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Passiflora Aurantia can be grown indoors as long as it has access to bright, indirect light.
Q: Is Passiflora Aurantia poisonous?
A: No, Passiflora Aurantia is not poisonous. However, the fruit should be consumed in moderation as it can cause stomach upset in some people.
Q: How often should Passiflora Aurantia be pruned?
A: Passiflora Aurantia should be pruned regularly to control its growth and shape. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can Passiflora Aurantia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Passiflora Aurantia can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be placed in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
- Passiflora caerulea
- Passiflora edulis
- Passiflora incarnata
- Passiflora ligularis
References
- Flora of Brazil. (2021). Passiflora aurantia Mast. [online] Available at: http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/reflora/floradobrasil/FB13866 [Accessed 9 Aug. 2021].
- Gardening Know How. (2021). Orange Passion Flower Care: Tips For Growing Orange Passion Flowers. [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/passion-flower/growing-orange-passion-vines.htm [Accessed 9 Aug. 2021].
- RHS. (2021). Passiflora aurantia. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/45408/Passiflora-aurantia/Details [Accessed 9 Aug. 2021].
