Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Passiflora maliformis L.

Perennial climber with entire leaves fragrant, white, red and violet flowers, followed by yellowish-green edible fruit.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘The fruit is said to form a principle part of the food of the wild swine.  It is also used as a dessert, the pulp possessing a subacid flavour grateful in hot climates.  The hard shell-like rind is dried, and manufactured in the French colonies into snuff boxes, bonbonières, and other toys, such as we sometimes see formed of the peel of Lemons or of Limes.’  [BR f.94/1816.]  Introduced from the West Indies in 1731.  [JD].  

History at Camden Park

Desideratum to Loddiges’ Nursery on 6th January 1845 [MP A2933-2, p.28].  I have found no further records and it may never have been grown at Camden. 

Notes

Passiflora maliformis Vell. (1831) = Passiflora alata C.Curtis. which see.

Published Jan 31, 2010 - 04:32 PM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 02:52 PM

Shown are ovate leaves, green passionflowers with red and white corolla filaments and fruits.  Botanical Register f.94, 1816.

Passiflora maliformis L. | BR f.94/1816 | BHL

Family Passifloraceae
Category
Region of origin

Carribean

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Passiflora maliformis 

Confidence level high