Passiflora edulis is a species of passion fruit that is widely cultivated for its sweet and tangy fruit. The word Passiflora is spelled ['pæsɪˈflɔːrə], with the stress on the second syllable. The word derives from the Latin "passio" (suffering) and "flos" (flower), alluding to the Passion of Christ. The specific epithet edulis is spelled [ɛˈdjuːlɪs] and means "edible" in Latin. The combination of the two words, Passiflora edulis, forms the scientific name of this delicious fruit.
Passiflora edulis, commonly known as passion fruit, is a tropical fruit-bearing plant belonging to the Passifloraceae family. It is native to South America and is widely cultivated for its delicious and aromatic fruits.
The Passiflora edulis plant typically features a vigorous vine with tendrils that help it climb and grow up to 9 meters in length. The leaves are green, glossy, and deeply lobed, providing an attractive appearance to the plant. The beautiful flowers of the Passiflora edulis are showy, fragrant, and can vary in color from white to purple, typically measuring about 4-6 cm in diameter.
The fruit produced by Passiflora edulis is commonly called passion fruit, and it is small to medium-sized, usually around 4-7 cm in length, with a rounded or oval shape. The fruits have a leathery skin that can appear wrinkled and vary in color from yellow, orange, to dark purple. Inside, the fruit contains a gelatinous and juicy pulp that encapsulates numerous small, black seeds.
Passion fruit is highly prized for its distinct and tropical flavor, which combines sweet and tangy notes. It is commonly used in various culinary applications, including juices, beverages, desserts, and as a flavoring ingredient in sauces and dressings.
Apart from its culinary uses, Passiflora edulis has also been recognized for its potential health benefits. It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, which may offer various health advantages, including improved digestion, immune system support, and antioxidant protection.
Overall, Passiflora edulis, or passion fruit, is a versatile and delicious tropical fruit that is cherished for its
The word Passiflora Edulis has Latin etymology.
Passiflora is derived from the Latin words passio, meaning suffering or passion, and flos, meaning flower. This name was given to the plant genus because the structure of its flower was believed to symbolize the Passion of Christ. The religious symbolism associated with the flower includes the crown of thorns, the three nails of the crucifixion, and other elements related to the Christian story.
Edulis is a Latin adjective derived from the word edo, meaning to eat or edible. It refers to the fact that the fruit of the Passiflora Edulis plant is edible, hence the name Edulis.