Stinking Passionflower

(Passiflora foetida)

Stinking Passionflower (Passiflora foetida)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Passiflora foetida, commonly known as Stinking Passionflower, is an evergreen vine that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, including forests and savannahs from Mexico to South America. It is characterized by its climbing habit, reaching lengths of several meters when supported. The leaves are deeply lobed and, when crushed, emit a strong odor that some find unpleasant. This vine produces distinctive white to pale cream-colored flowers, about 5–6 cm in diameter, with a unique structure that includes fringed coronas. The flowers are followed by small, round fruits roughly the size of a ping pong ball, which turn from green to orange as they ripen. The fruit contains a bluish-white pulp that is mildly sweet and delicately flavored, and it is edible. Passiflora foetida is also notable for its bracts, which exude a sticky substance capable of trapping insects, a feature that has led to its classification as a protocarnivorous plant.

The Stinking Passionflower is valued for its rapid growth, unique flowers, and edible fruit. It is used in tropical and subtropical gardens for ornamental purposes, often grown on trellises or fences. It requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soil to flourish. While it can be a beautiful addition to a garden, Passiflora foetida is potentially invasive in some regions, such as Southeast Asia, Australasia, the Caribbean, and parts of the United States, where it can outcompete native flora. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vines
  • Height: 9-13 feet
  • Width: 6-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to tropical and subtropical regions

Other Names

Common Names: Wild Maracuja , Bush Passion Fruit , Fetid Passionflower , Wild Water Lemon , Stoneflower , Love-In-A-Mist , Scarletfruit Passionflower , Stinking Passionflower , Mossy Passionflower , Running Pop

Scientific Names: Passiflora foetida , Passiflora foetida subsp. hispida , Passiflora foetida var. lanuginosa , Passiflora foetida var. hastata , Passiflora foetida var. isthmia , Passiflora foetida var. longipedunculata , Passiflora foetida var. mayarum , Passiflora vesicaria , Passiflora foetida var. galapagensis , Passiflora liebmanni

GBIF Accepted Name: Passiflora foetida L.