Passifloraceae
Passiflora foetida
Stinking passionflower
C
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
An annual or biennial climbing vine, Passiflora foetida grows up to 4-5 metres with wiry, sticky stems. Its three- to five-lobed leaves emit a pungent smell when crushed. White to pale cream, pink, or purple flowers (2-6 cm diameter) are subtended by distinctive, glandular, pinnatifid bracts that can trap insects. The fruit is a globose berry, 2-3 cm in diameter, containing mildly sweet, bluish-white pulp and black seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
This vigorous climber thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained loamy, sandy, or saline-tolerant soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. In a Kilifi-coast garden, it can be planted to twine on fences, pergolas, or arbours, but its spread should be managed due to its potential to become invasive.
Growing notes
Passiflora foetida grows vigorously and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between intervals; it tolerates arid ground but benefits from consistent moisture. Regular pruning is essential to manage its climbing habit and encourage bushier growth. While its fruits are edible, fresh leaves are reported to contain high levels of cyanide and should not be ingested.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, canopytower.com, drcongoflora.com, monaconatureencyclopedia.com, colplanta.org, cabidigitallibrary.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.