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Wild Passionfruit
Basic Information:
Passiflora foetida (common names: stinking passionflower, wild maracuja, bush passion fruit, wild water lemon,[1] stoneflower,[1] love-in-a-mist, or running pop[1]) is a species of passion flower that is native to the southwestern United States (southern Texas and Arizona), Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. It has been introduced to tropical regions around the world,[1] such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, Hawaii, Africa, and The Maldives.[2] It is a creeping vine like other members of the genus, and yields an edible fruit.[3] The specific epithet, foetida, means “stinking” in Latin and refers to the strong aroma emitted by damaged foliage.[4]
This passion flower tolerates arid ground, but favours moist areas. It is known to be an invasive species in some areas.[3] This plant is also a widely grown perennial climber, and has been used in traditional medicine.[5]
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Wild passionfruit (Passiflora foetida; rambusa, markisa hutan) is a creeping vine that produces a small, edible fruit. The ripe fruit is eaten fresh. Damaged leaves give off a strong smell, which is the origin of the name foetida (“stinking”).
- The plant has been used in traditional folk practice in various tropical countries, for example as a leaf tea. These are traditional uses only. They have not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence, and the plant is not a replacement for medical care.
- Passiflora foetida contains flavonoids and other plant compounds, which show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. Laboratory and animal studies have examined leaf extracts for various properties. These are early findings, and no health effect in people can be concluded from them.
- Important safety note: The leaves and the unripe fruit of Passiflora foetida naturally contain small amounts of compounds that can release cyanide. Dried leaves are well suited for tea, but they must always be boiled for 5 minutes before drinking. Do not use fresh leaves raw in larger amounts. Only the ripe fruit should be eaten. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a health condition, please ask your doctor first.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora_foetida