Origin
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip, commonly known as the stinking passion fruit, is a plant native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Common Names
Aside from stinking passion fruit, this plant is also called gandul, granadilla hedionda, tacaco, and mal pague.
General Appearance
The stinking passion fruit plant can grow up to 5 meters in length, with stems and leaves covered in hairs. Its flowers are a bright yellow color and produce small, green fruits that are similar in appearance to other passion fruits, but with a strong, unpleasant odor.
Uses
The stinking passion fruit has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory infections. Its leaves and stems are believed to have sedative and analgesic properties. It is also used as a natural insecticide. However, due to its unpleasant odor, it is rarely used for culinary purposes.
Light Requirements
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip is a vine that thrives in full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It is suggested to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. Inadequate light may result in a reduced growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F) to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate lower temperatures but not frost, and it is recommended to protect it from freezing temperatures. High humidity levels are beneficial for the growth of the plant, but it can also tolerate dry climates moderately.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH relatively neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A nutrient-rich soil mix, such as a 50:50 combination of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite, provides adequate drainage and aeration for the plant to grow. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, but it does not grow well in heavy clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip is a vining plant that requires support. Plant your Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip in an area with partial shade to full sun and well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It can be propagated from both cuttings and seeds. If starting from seeds, sow them directly in the soil or in a seedling tray. The plant can also be propagated by layering or air layering.
Watering Needs
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip requires moderate to frequent watering, especially during the growing season. Due to its shallow roots, it cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. During the dormant season, reduce watering, and only water the plant when the soil is dry 2-3 inches deep.
Fertilization
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip requires regular fertilization during the growing season to encourage blooms and healthy foliage. Use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorous and potassium every 4-6 weeks. You can also add compost or organic matter to the soil to maintain its fertility.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip plant. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and cut back up to one-third of the old wood to promote new growth. It is important to note that Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip blooms on new growth, so pruning will encourage more blooms.
Propagation methods for Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip, commonly known as wild passionfruit, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Wild passionfruit can be propagated from seeds extracted from mature fruits. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before being planted in a well-drained potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm, well-lit area and kept moist until germination.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate wild passionfruit. Select a stem with at least two nodes and remove the leaves from the lower node. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and plant in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, semi-shaded location until roots develop.
Layering
Layering involves bending a low-growing stem to the ground and covering part of it with soil or compost. Roots will sprout from the covered portion, and a new plant can be cut away from the parent once it has developed its own root system. This method works best with mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip Plant
Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip, commonly known as the wild passion fruit, is a tropical vine often used as an ornamental plant. When growing this plant, disease and pest management is essential to ensure it grows healthy and produces quality fruits. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected plant parts. Apply a fungicide containing copper to uninfected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and brown spots on the foliage of the plant. To manage leaf spot, prune and dispose of infected plant parts. Apply a fungicide containing copper to uninfected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid overhead watering and ensure the plant is receiving enough air circulation.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes mottled yellow-green leaves with distorted growth. There is no cure for mosaic virus, so remove and dispose of infected plants. Always wash your hands and tools before touching healthy plants to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant regularly with a strong jet of water to dislodge the mites. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil to kill the remaining mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can chew through the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove and dispose of the affected leaves. Apply a biological insecticide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, to kill the caterpillars.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that can cause distortion and stunted growth in the plant. To manage aphids, rinse the plant regularly with a strong jet of water to dislodge the insects. Apply an insecticidal soap or oil to kill the remaining aphids.
Early detection and intervention are vital to manage diseases and pests in Passiflora foetida L. var. lanuginosa Killip plant. Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and cultural practices such as pruning and adequate watering, can help reduce the severity of diseases and pest attacks on the plant.
