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Passiflora laurifolia L.
| Family Name: | Passifloraceae |
| Synonyms: | Passiflora oblongifolia, Passiflora tinifolia |
| Common Name: | Water Lemon, Yellow Granadilla, Bell Apple, Passion Fruit, Buah Susu, Jamaica Honeysuckle, Belle Apple, Vinegar Pear, Pomme-de-Liane |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Slender, woody vine with climbing growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Smooth, laurel-like leaves are oval-shaped with wavy leaf margin. |
| Flowers | Fragrant flowers are striped purple and white. The flower is composed of 2 overlapping rows of long, thin petals with the inner one consisting of about 40 petals. |
| Fruit | Smooth, yellow fruits are oblong and shaped like a lemon. The edible flesh is watery and pleasant. |
| Cultivation | It tolerates semi-shaded conditions, but it produces more fruit under full sun. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet laurifolia means that the leaves resemble those of the laurel tree. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): The fruit is edible and juicy. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire - Wavy / Undulate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
References
| References | Polunin, Ivan. 2010. Plants and Flowers of Singapore. Malaysia: Marshall Cavendish Editions . |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 171 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1467 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
