PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Passiflora edulis
Passion Fruit
Sims, 1818
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Passiflora edulis is a vigorous, perennial climbing plant, woody at the base, world-renowned for the exotic beauty of its flowers and the intense flavor of its fruits. It possesses cylindrical, striated stems that adhere to supports using axillary spiral tendrils. Its leaves are alternate, deeply trilobed, and a shiny dark green. The flower, known as the 'passion flower', is a marvel of botanical architecture: it features white petals crowned by a series of purplish or bluish filaments called the corona, with prominent stamens and stigmas arranged centrally. The fruit is an ovoid or globose berry with a thick rind that turns yellow or purple when ripe, housing numerous black seeds inside wrapped in a fleshy, juicy, and highly aromatic aril. It is an emblematic species of Neotropical ecosystems and an essential component of agricultural biodiversity.
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Anonymous Curator
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Malpighiales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Passifloraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Passiflora
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sims, 1818
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America but has become widely naturalized throughout Mesoamerica. It thrives on forest edges, disturbed areas, and scrub zones where there is abundant sunlight. It requires well-drained, fertile soils and climates with distinct seasons or constant humidity without waterlogging. In Costa Rica, it is common to find it in low and middle zones on both slopes, from sea level up to 1,300 meters (4,200 feet) in altitude.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is an extremely fast-growing plant that uses nearby trees as scaffolding. Its reproductive ecology depends critically on large bees, especially carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.), whose robust bodies are the only ones capable of brushing the stigmas and anthers simultaneously while seeking nectar. Without these specific pollinators, fruit production drops drastically. Its fleshy fruits are a source of hydration and energy for a wide variety of mammals and birds.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
500.0 - 1500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Sensitive Axillary Tendrils: The plant has developed highly specialized tendrils that respond to physical contact. Upon touching a branch or support, the tendril rapidly coils in a spiral, allowing the climber to reach the forest canopy to capture sunlight without needing a solid trunk.
Chemical Defense and Coevolution: It produces cyanogenic compounds in its leaves to avoid herbivory. However, it has coevolved with Heliconius butterflies, whose larvae can process these toxins. As a counter-adaptation, some passionflowers develop extrafloral nectaries that attract ants to defend the plant from caterpillars.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Agricultural pests and diseases: Woodiness virus and Fusarium fungus severely impact cultivated and wild populations, reducing their vigor and productivity.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Religious Symbolism: The name 'Passion Fruit' was given by Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century, who saw in the flower parts the symbols of Christ's Passion: the crown of thorns (filaments), the three nails (stigmas), and the five wounds (anthers).