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Rebecca Hilgenhof
Dissertation
Course 47
Kew Diploma in Horticulture
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
I
© Copyright
The material available in this Publication is copyright by Rebecca Hilgenhof & the Board of Trustees, Royal
Botanic Gardens, Kew, unless otherwise stated. In most cases, information which is generated by Rebecca
Hilgenhof & the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and included in this publication scheme may be reproduced for
information and personal use only.
II
Abstract
The following dissertation, ‘Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers’,
examines an unusual group of Passiflora L. The paper provides an overview of all aspects related to
the members of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast., looking into the most recent systematic
treatment of the group within the genus Passiflora and how it is subdivided into lower rankings. An
understanding of the relationship between species within the subgenus is provided. The
classification is supported by detailed morphologic descriptions, which illustrates their differences to
species of other subgenera, helping to identify them not only in the wild but also in cultivation.
Understanding the distribution and habitats of these species is of great importance in order to have
an idea of their required growing environment. The ecology of these plants is another important
factor to be considered. Ecology not only determines plant morphology but also has a great impact
on how plants behave naturally and consequently under cultivation. Cultivation is generally
considered to be quite difficult. Some of the difficulties are displayed within the paper and a useful
guideline provided of how to achieve success in growing these plants. More depth on cultivation is
provided for the four species most commonly found under cultivation; Passiflora jussieui Feuillet, P.
lindeniana Planch. ex Triana & Planch., P. macrophylla Spruce ex Mast. and P. pittieri Mast. Despite
the problems these plants present they are still rewarding additions to any plant collection and
worthwhile growing. Correct identification of the species is important in order to accurately
determine their cultural requirements. In the future successful cultivation is likely to be of great
importance due to many being threaten in their natural habitat increasing the need for skillful ex-
situ conservation.
III
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Table of Contents
I
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
II
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
List of Tables
Table 1: List of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species in relation to associated the Heliconius
butterfly species.................................................................................................................................... 19
Table 2: Cultivation of Passiflora jussieui.............................................................................................. 29
Table 3: Cultivation of Passiflora lindeniana ........................................................................................ 32
Table 4: Cultivation of Passiflora macrophylla ..................................................................................... 37
Table 5: Cultivation of Passiflora pittieri ............................................................................................... 41
Table 6: Species list Passiflora subgenus Astrophea............................................................................. 62
Table 7: Inventory of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea in cultivation..................................................... 67
Table 8: Surveyed gardens and private collections from which completed questionnaires were
obtained, listing the species regarding. ................................................................................................ 75
III
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
List of Figures
Figure 3: Drawing of the longitudinal section through the flower of P. macrophylla .......................... 10
Figure 4: Distribution map of Passiflora subg. Astrophea species in Central and South America. ...... 12
Figure 5: Chart indication the number of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species found per country of
origin. .................................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 6: A: The forest liana Passiflora amoena in its natural habitat, French Guiana, B: close-up of
flower .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 7: Miguel Molinari next to Passiflora lindeniana in Venezuela. The mature specimen was cut
down to use the timber for firewood; fortunately it started to reshoot from the short stump that
remained. .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 8: Passiflora lindeniana in its natural habitat: A: tree in leaf, B: the same specimen after leaf
fall revealling the branch structure....................................................................................................... 16
Figure 9: A: An orchid bee of the genus Eulaema pollinating the flower of Passiflora pittieri, B:
Dissected flower of Passiflora amoena, showing parts of the chambered hypanthium...................... 18
Figure 10: A: Heliconius sapho, B: Larvae of H .sapho and/or H. hewitsoni on P. pittieri at Butterfly
World, C: Cluster of eggs on shoot tip of P. candida ............................................................................ 20
Figure 12: A: Red Pedilia close-up, B: Pedilia flea beetles on Passiflora pittieri at La Selva., C: Red
Pedilia larvae ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 15: Passiflora jussieui; A: closeup corona filaments and reproductive organs, B: developing
flower buds, C: sideview of the flower ................................................................................................. 28
Figure 16: Passiflora lindeniana; A: flowering for the first time at RBG, Kew in July 2009, B: close-up
of the flower ......................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 17: Passiflora lindeniana; A+B: air-layer and callus formation, C: seedlings, D: chemical burn,
E+F: cuttings rooted after six month, G: established cutting one month after potting-up .................. 35
IV
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Figure 18: The first bloom of Passiflora macrophylla at the RBG, Kew in July 2010; A: Flower open,
showing the typically reflexed position of petals and sepal, B: flower buds ........................................ 36
Figure 19: Passiflora macrophylla; A: new emerging growth, B: pendulous leaves covering the
developing flower buds, C: leaves rise when the plant starts flowering, D: extrafloral nectar gland, E:
healthy specimen, F: same specimen under watered, G: cutting, H: Root formation three weeks .... 39
Figure 20: Passiflora pittieri flowering in cultivation at UK National Collection of Passiflora; A: side
view of flower, B: front view ................................................................................................................. 40
Figure 21: Passiflora pittieri; A+ B: new emerging growth, C: leaf, D: rooted cutting, E: cutting potted-
up after rooting, Passiflora jussieui; F: cutting with ne produced shoot .............................................. 43
V
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
List of Appendices
VI
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Iris Turner and Sid Sullivan for their tutorial support during the dissertation
process and Kew Diploma Students Paul Rees and Tim Hickey (C47) for their help and advice.
Carlos Magdalena Rodriguez (Collection Horticulturist, Moist Tropics Unit, RBG Kew), Nick Johnson
(Team Leader, Temperate Unit, RBG Kew) and James Beattie (Collection Horticulturist, Temperate
Unit, RBG Kew) have supported my dissertation and engaged my interest in species of the subgenus
Astrophea, for which I am greatly appreciative.
I would also like to thank Emil Kugler (Publisher & Editor, Passiflorunde), Christian Feuillet
(Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History) and Sara Edwards (Herbarium, RBG Kew), for
their helpful discussions throughout the process of research.
Thanks also to: John Vanderplank (National Collection of Passiflora), Rob McPhail, Torsten and
Bettina Ulmer (Blumen & Passiflora), Maurizio Vecchia (Collezione di Passiflora), Aleksey Kirillov (The
Principal Botanic Garden of N.V. Tsitsina of the Russian Academy of Sciences), Elizabeth Peters
(Grassy Knoll Exotic Plants), Henk van Aalst (Passifloratuin), Nura Abdul Karim (Singapore Botanic
Gardens), Jason Lopez (Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden) and James West (Reserva Rio
Guaycuyacu). All of who provided valuable information by participating and completing the
Cultivation Questioner.
Thanks to Suzanne Sharrock (Director of Global Programmes) and Meirion Jones (Head of
Information Management) from BGCI who helped gathering the list of cultivated species.
I also like to thank Elisa Biondi (Specialized Trainee, Dry Tropics Unit, RBG Kew) and Scott Taylor
(Display Horticulturist, Palm House, RBG Kew) for the translation of the Cultivation Questioner into
Italian and French, which enabled a wider distribution of the document to an international audience.
Also thanks to Katharine Cook (Kew Diploma Student, C48) and Joy Corbett (Team Leader,
Arboretum, RBG Kew) for proof-reading the document.
Finally, I like to give special thanks to Arne Seringer (Botanical Horticulturist, Flora und Botanischer
Garten Köln, Germany) who not only shared his knowledge but also without whom this dissertation
would never have happened as he was the person that introduced me to this amazing group of
plants.
VII
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Declaration
I, Rebecca Hilgenhof, declare that ‘Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the
passionflowers’ is my own work and that all the sources that I have used or quoted have been
acknowledged by means of complete references. As part of the BGCI Data Supply Agreement,
information obtained from the database for the completion of the Inventory of Passiflora subgenus
Astrophea in cultivation, is under no circumstances to be copied, or any gardens contacted without
the prior consent of BGCI. All images contained in the document should not be replicated without
the agreement of the owner, as stated.
Rebecca Hilgenhof
VIII
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Abbreviation
°C - degree Celsius
g. - genus
max. - maximum
min. - minimum
P. - Passiflora
sect. - section
ser. - series
subg. - subgenus
supersect. - supersection
UK - United Kingdom
IX
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Glossary of Terms
actinomorphic (regular, radially symmetric) – Divisible through the centre of the flower in several or
many longitudinal planes, the halves of the flower being mirror images in every case.
alternate – Placed singly along the stem or axis, not opposite or whorled.
bisexual (hermaphrodite, monoclinous) – Having both stamens and carpels in the same flower.
calyx (plural calyces) – The outer perianth, composed of free or united sepals.
campanulate – Bell-shaped.
cauliflorous – Exhibiting cauliflory: The production of flowers on the trunk and branches of trees
rather than at the end of twigs.
corona – A structure occurring between (and sometimes united with) the stamens and the corolla,
the ring of filaments.
costate – Ribbed.
deciduous – Falling off, as the leaves in autumn or petals after flowering time.
erect – Upright.
X
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
extrafloral – Outside the flower, used to describe nectarines suited on vegetative parts of the plant.
hypanthium – A cup-shaped or tubular enlargement of the receptacle or of the base of the floral
parts.
limen – The rim at the base of the androgynophore in the genus Passiflora.
operculum – The membranous cover of the nectar-secreting ring in the genus Passiflora.
ovary – The lower part of a carpel (or carpels) which contains the ovules.
ovoid – Egg-shaped.
parietal placentation - The arrangement in which the placentas develop along the fused margins of
the carpels of a unilocular ovary.
pericarp – The fruit wall that has developed from the ovary wall.
pinnate – Having separate veins along each side of the midrib of a leaf.
plumose – Feathery.
XI
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
scandent – Climbing.
setaceous – Bristle-like.
stamen – One of the female sex organs, usually consisting of anther, connective, and filament.
stipule – A leafy outgrowth, often one of a pair, arising at the base of the petiole.
styles –The often elongated apical part of a carpel or gynoecium that bears the stigma at its tip.
tendril – A twining, threat-like structure produced from the stem and enables a plant to hold its
position securely.
terete –Like a slender, tapering cylinder, and more or less circular in any cross-section.
xylem – The vascular tissue that conducts water and minerals from the roots to other parts of the
plant.
XII
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 1: Introduction
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Introduction
Members of the genus Passiflora L., commonly called passionflowers, are predominately perennial
vines or lianas that climb by the means of tendrils. There are currently 573 species (Kuethe, 2010)
known to science. The subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast. is the second smallest of four subgenera with
66 members. These are scandent shrubs, woody lianas or free-standing trees or tree-lets. A small
percentage of these species have lost their adaptations to climb entirely and it is due to this and the
tendency to have tree- or shrub-like habits that makes this subgenus unique.
This subgenus is mainly distributed in tropical South America with 2 species extending into Central
America. Nearly all of the species are considered as quite rare and still very little is known about
these plants. The members of the subgenus Astrophea were first raised in cultivation in butterfly
conservatories as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Heliconius Kluk (longwings). Initially only
cultivated by lepidopterists, they sparked the interest of private collectors and Botanical Gardens
alike due to their unique habit of growth and very attractive flowers. In recent years, despite
growing interest, only a few individuals are occasionally found in cultivation. This is because growing
these plants is considered as difficult, as well as the limited availability of plant material.
This dissertation is inspired by personal interest and passion of the author for this extraordinary
group of plants. The aim is to gain an understanding about the subgenus Astrophea, their natural
behavior and how this effects ex-situ cultivation.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 1: Introduction
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1.2 Methodology
The majority of research for the following dissertation was obtained by using a range of techniques.
Available literature of published or electronic origin was consulted where possible. The main body
of research was compiled from books and journal articles, but supplementary online material from
official and trusted sources was also included.
Using these techniques and through consultation with experts, a list of species of subgenus
Astrophea was established. To ensure the accuracy of the list, it was cross referenced with a number
of plant indices (The Plant List, 2010; The International Plant Names Index, 2005; Tropicos®, 2011)
and proof-read by Emil Kugler (2011/2012) (Publisher-and-Editor,-Passiflorunde,-Newsletter “IG
Passionsblumen”).
Having referenced the species list with the Botanic Garden Conservation International Database and
a number of experts, an accurate assessment of the species found in cultivation was acquired
subject (see Appendix 6).
Using this list an assembled electronic questionnaire was circulated to 20 individuals who work with
Botanic Garden or private collections. The questionnaire, displayed in Appendix 11, asked relevant
exploratory questions about cultivation of these plants. This gave the participants the opportunity
to share unconstrained information. A return rate of 60% was achieved with a total of 21 forms
completed by 12 individuals, covering the four most commonly cultivated species (see-Appendix-12).
For this reason these will be focused on in regards to the discussion about cultivation (see-Appendix
14-16).
Throughout the course of this research contact was maintained with these experts and the results
are referenced within the report as personal communication.
Images taken by the author were obtained by using a Canon EOS 450D digital SLR Camera.
Finally, personal knowledge of the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea was supplemented
by work experience with plants from the collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 2: Literature Review
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
It was not until 1806, however, when the first two members (Passiflora glauca H. & B. syn. and P.
emarginata Bonpl.) of the yet to be constituted subgenus Astrophea were described. The first
account of the subgenus Astrophea is made in the publications of DeCandolle (1822,-1828) (Killip,
1938). DeCandolle based his generic concept of the genus Passiflora largely on the idea of Jussieu,
1789 & Persoon, 1807, and subdivided the genus Passiflora into seven sections; Astrophea,
Polyanthea, Tetrapathaea, Cieca, Decaloba, Granadilla, and Dysosmia (Killip, 1938), giving the ranks
Decloba, Dysosmia, Distephana, and Astrophea their names (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
DeCandolle was able to describe the section Astrophea on the basis of Passiflora arborea Spreng.
(Passiflora glauca syn.), one of the very first tree-like Passiflora species that had been discovered. In
1846 Roemer, who according to Killip (1938) lacked the understanding of the generic concept, raised
all of DeCandolle’s sections to genera (Killip, 1838), implementing the genus Astrophea. Later
Bentham and Hooker accepted DeCandolle’s earlier subdivision of the genus Passiflora, proposing
only slight changes (Killip, 1838) that have no major effect on the status of the section Astrophea. 25
years later in a paper in the Transactions of the Linnaean Society, Masters (1871) revises the genus
Passiflora and separates it into four distinct subgenera; Astrophea, Plectostemma, Murucuja, and
Granadilla (Killip,-1838). Triana & Planchon, 1873, generally maintain Masters’ (1871) subgeneric
division, only introducing a fifth subgenus, Tacsonia (Killip, 1838). In Harms’ first edition of Die
natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien (1893) he constitutes Astrophea a section of Passiflora, together with
Tacsonia, Murucuja, Decaloba, Cieca, Psilanthus, Granadilla and Dysosmia (Killip,-1838). Further
work on the rank Astrophea was carried out by Harms in the second edition of his book (1925),
where he proposes the subdivision of section into Euastrophea, Pseudoastrophea, and
Botryastrophea (Killip, 1938).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 2: Literature Review
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
In Killip’s 1938 monograph on the American Passifloraceae, a publication that for many years has
been regarded as one of the most comprehensive accounts on the genus Passiflora, Killip recognizes
46 species of Astrophea and subdivides these into six well-defined sections (Dolchiostemma,
Cirrhipes, Leptopoda, Euastrophea, Pseudoastrophea, and Botryastrophea) (see-Appendix-1).
Adopting the three subsections that were established by Harms (1925), he added three of his own.
In his monograph it is stated by Killip (1938, p. 520) that “there is considerable difficulty in
separating the various species within these sections”; “Nearly all are quite rare, or, at least
infrequently collected”; “Several being know from the single collection”. He mentioned that when
describing species inaccuracies arise from unsatisfactory notes on the specimen voucher and
distinguishing plant parts are badly represented (Killip, 1938). For this reason classification of the
species at the time was regarded as quite difficult. Nevertheless the taxonomic treatment of Killip
(1938) has been used for more than half a century, and was accepted in subsequent literature
(Vanderplank,-1991,-1996,-2000;-Ulmer-&-Ulmer-1997;-Klock-2001) as well as in the work of
Escobar (1994) and Feuillet (2002). In the 2002 publication Feuillet implements the series Carnae in
section Botryastrophea.
In 1994 Feuillet, MacDougal and DePriest announce the revision of the taxonomic treatment of
genus Passiflora and a resulting reduction of the 22 subgenera to only 4-6 main categories,
maintaining the subgenera Passiflora, Decaloba and Astrophea (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997). The New
Infrageneric Classification of Passiflora by Feuillet & MacDougal is released in 2004; in which the
subgenus Astrophea is divided into 2 main supersections, each once again subdivided into 2 or 3
lower rankings or sections and one section again split into two series.
Currently Hansen is working on the revision and completion of the work of the late Escobar (1994)
for the project Flora Neotropic (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
In present literature regarding the subject Passiflora, the subgenus Astrophea is often neglected and
the representatives are barely mentioned (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997;-Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1999;
Vanderplank 1991,-1996,-2000). The most elaborate account is made in Ulmer & MacDougal’s
(2004) monograph on the genus Passiflora, as they dedicate a whole chapter to the subgenus.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 2: Literature Review
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
2.3 Morphology
The distinguishing morphological features of this group of plants are, in most books, only mentioned
as part of the typical structure of passionflowers (Killip 1938; Vanderplank-1991,-1996,-2000;-Ulmer
& Ulmer, 1997;-Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1999;-Klock,-2001;-Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). Three of these
publications discuss, in addition to the basic information (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997; Ulmer-&-Ulmer,
1999;-Ulmer-&-MacDougal, -2004), morphology and growing habit in more detail, presenting these
within allocated paragraphs. Species specific descriptions are available in the following publications;
46 spp. (incl. 1 synonym) in American Passifloraceae (Killip,-1938), 2 spp. in Passion Flowers
(Vanderplank, 1991), 7 spp. in Passionsblumen – Eine faszinierende Gattung (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997),
8 spp. (incl. 1 synonym) in Das große Buch der Passionsblumen (Klock,-2001), and 22 spp. in
Passionflowers of the World (Ulmer-&-MacDougal, -2004).
Keys to the subgenus are provided by Escobar (1994) for all species known at the time (see-Appendix
3) and Feuillet (2002) who covers 19 taxa that are exclusively found in the Guianas (see-Appendix-4).
Furthermore, species descriptions for those currently known to science can be obtained from the
original publications and geographic floras.
The areas of distribution are covered for individual species within the known monographs on the
genus Passiflora (Killip, 1938;-Vanderplank,-1991,-1996,-2000;-Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997;-Klock,-2001;
Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004) as well as part of the original species description. Some countries of
origin are covered by entire plant checklists, including the family Passifloraceae and certain
members of the subgenus Astrophea: The Flora of Ecuador – Passifloraceae (Holm-Nielsen,
Jørgensen-&-Lawesson,-1988 and The flora of the Guianas - Passifloraceae, Feuillet, unpublished).
Rarely mentioned in known publications are species specific habitat descriptions, as for most species
this area has been largely unexplored. A few accounts on the subject are made by Ulmer &
MacDougal (2004) and few other authors (Feuillet, 2002; MacDougal, 2007; Vanderplank &
Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 2: Literature Review
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Even though many species are regarded as rare, there is very little published on the subject of
existing threats and conservation concerns amongst the subgenus Astrophea. An account of the
endangerment of an individual species is made by Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez (2010).
Fortunately this is not the only publication regarding the topic, as JØrgensen-&-Pitman (2004)
highlight the vulnerability of the wild population of different species on the online database of the
IUCN-Red-List-of-Threatened-Species. Furthermore it is stated by MacDougal (2007) that nearly all
species of section Astrophea are of conservation concern as most are facing great threats to their
existence, whereas others are already lost to mankind.
The members of the subgenus Astrophea are real curiosities amongst the more commonly known
species of passionflowers and compared to these, regarded as considerably difficult to grow. For
this reason the cultural requirements are only touched upon briefly in most books and are mainly
part of the general species characterisation (Vanderplank,-1991,-1996,-2000;-Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997;
Klock,-2001;-Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). A particularly noteworthy approach on the treatment of
cultivated Astrophea species is made by Ulmer & Ulmer (1997) and Ulmer & MacDougal (2004), as
these two publications make mention of the specific growing environment in general and for
individual species as well as acknowledgement of successful propagation techniques. Furthermore,
in their 2005 publication Ulmer & Ulmer (2005) supply valuable information on the minimum
temperature requirements of species. This is covered exclusively in their book, providing a useful
guideline for desired temperature conditions within the man-made environment.
In recent years, species of the subgenus Astrophea became more available for ex-situ cultivation,
resulting in an increased demand of relevant literature. Enthusiasts that achieve success in
maintaining and breeding individuals of the subgenus, in ex- and in-situ cultivation, voluntarily share
their knowledge in the form of articles. These are mainly published in magazines with the main
focus on the genus Passiflora, such as the Passiflora International Society newsletter (Meerman,
1996;-Gilbert,-1996;-Gilbert,-2004;-MacDougal,-2007) and the German-language Passiflorunde,
newsletter of the “Intressengemeinschaft Passionsblumen” (Vecchia,-2002); but also other journals
with a much broader concept of horticulture and botany such as the Curtis’s Botanical Magazine
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 2: Literature Review
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
2.7 Ecology
The most comprehensive ecology studies of herbivores and their relation to members of subgenus
Astrophea are undertaken on the example of Passiflora pittieri. This plant is associated with two
species of butterflies that exclusively rear their offspring on the vine. Both have been intensively
studied by many scientists throughout the years (Smiley,-1982,-1985;-Thomas,-1990, Gilbert,-1996,
2004). A complementary illustration of the interaction of the two species is presented online in form
of a very detailed flow diagram by Meerman (2002).
During these studies other insects have been discovered and described that have a great impact on
the wild plant populations; the results can be looked up in a variety of scientific papers (Smiley,
1982; Duckett, 1989, 2003).
-7-
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
3.1 Classification
Passiflora-L. subgenus Astrophea (DC.)-Mast. is the second smallest of four subgenera in the genus
Passiflora. The type species for the subgenus is Passiflora arborea.
The genus itself is classified in the Passifloreae DC. tribe, within the Passifloroideae Burnett
subfamily of the family Passifloraceae Juss. ex Roussel., in the order Malpighiales Martius. of the
Dicotyledons (Stevens, 2001 onwards).
The subgenus is, according to Feuillet & MacDougal’s (2004) latest infrageneric classification (see
Figure-2,-also-Appendix-2), divided into 2 main categories called supersections; Astrophea (DC.)
MacDougal & Feuillet and Pseudastrophea (Harms)-MacDougal-&-Feuillet. Each supersection is
once again subdivided into 2 or 3 sections. The supersect. Astrophea split into the 3 lower ranks,
sect. Astrophea DC., sect. Capreolata MacDougal & Feuillet, and sect. Leptopoda Killip ex Feuillet &
Cremers, whereas supersect. Pseudastrophea is organized into only 2 subdivisions; sect.
Pseudastrophea (Harms) Killip and sect. Botryastrophea (Harms) Killip. In the case of sect.
Botryastrophea it is once again split into 2 subdivisions called series; ser. Botryastrophea (Harms)
MacDougal & Feuillet and ser. Carnae Feuillet.
(For-more-details-on-numbers-of-species-found-within-the-subgenus-and-per-supersection,-section
and-series-see-Appendix-5)
Passiflora L.
1. Subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast.
1.1. Supersection Astrophea (DC.) MacDougal & Feuillet
1.1.1. Section Astrophea (DC.)
1.1.2. Section Capreolata MacDougal & Feuillet
1.1.3. Section Leptopoda Killip ex Feuillet & Cremers
1.2. Supersection Pseudoastrophea (Harms) Feuillet & MacDougal
1.2.1. Section Pseudoastrophea (Harms) Killip
1.2.2. Section Botryastrophea (Harms) Killip
1.2.2.1. Series Botryastrophea (Harms) MacDougal & Feuillet
1.2.2.2. Series Carnae Feuillet
Figure 2: Systematic classification of the subgenus Astrophea (Feuillet & MacDougal, 2003)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
3.2 Morphology
Species of the subg. Astrophea are small trees, scandent shrubs, woody vines or lianas. The stems
are terete, with new emerging growth that is generally erect, or occasionally prostrate (Ulmer-&
MacDougal,-2004). Taxa with a tree-forming growth habit, found in sect. Astrophea (e.g.-Passiflora
lindeniana), have a secondary xylem of concentric rings (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). This unusual
characteristic can also be found in many species of the sect. Botryastrophea (Escobar,-1994).
Much like most members of the genus Passiflora, some Astrophea bear well-developed tendrils
others, the true trees (sect. Astrophea) have lost these completely, or in the case of Passiflora
spinosa (Poepp. & Endl.) Mast. they are reduced to short spines (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
Hereby the apical part of the tendril is aborted and only the swollen base persists, forming a hook-
like structure (Holm-Nielsen,-Jørgensen-&-Lawesson,-1988).
The stipules are very small, setaceous or narrowly linear (Vanderplank, 1991), and are deciduous
early. Leaves are arranged alternately. The petiole usually holds 1 or rarely 2 pairs of sessile or scar-
like nectar glands on the abaxial surface near the apex (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). In ser. Carnae
these are swollen and situated adaxially at the apex of the petiole (Feuillet,-2002). If petiolar glands
are absent extrafloral nectaries may be present on the leaf midvein close to the blade base (Ulmer &
MacDougal,-2004). The leaf blades are always simple and unlobed (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-1997), never
variegated and have a pinnate venation (Ulmer & MacDougal, 2004). In most cases within the
subgenus the leaves can grow to a considerable size (Ulmer-&-Ulmer, -1997), reaching up to almost
1m in Passiflora macrophylla, which has in fact the biggest leaves of the entire genus. Nectar glands
on the leaf blade, if present are inconspicuous and located near or at the margin (Ulmer-&
MacDougal,-2004).
The flowers occur singly, in pairs or multiple flowered inflorescences (Ulmer & Ulmer, 1997). These
either derive from the leaf axils of young shoots (e.g. in sect. Astrophea) or branch from the nodes of
old lignified wood (sect.-Botryastrophea) (Escobar,-1994). In sect. Astrophea the peduncles are
usually divided at least once, resulting in multiflorous inflorescences (Ulmer & MacDougal, 2004),
which are in some cases orgy-flowered (e.g.-P.-sphaerocarpa Triana & Planch.). Cauliflorous
inflorescences are either short racemes (e.g.--P. amoena-Escobar) or extremely long pseudoracemes
(Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004), which in the case of P.-balbis-Feuillet can reach up to 1.6m in size
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
The bracts are tiny (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004), bristle-like to narrowly linear, and scattered along
the peduncle (Killip,-1938). Pedicels are generally jointed (Feuillet,-2002), and can be unusually
long, for example the pendant flower of Passiflora leptopoda (sect. Leptopoda) (Ulmer &
MacDougal, 2004).
The flower colours range from greenish-white to white (sect. Astrophea, sect. Pseudastrophea) or
orange, reddish to purple (sect. Botryastrophea) (Feuillet,-1998). The characteristic actinomorphic
floral structure is shown in Figure 3:
stigma
style
anther
ovary
filament
petal
sepal
androgynophore
operculum
floral tube
pedicel
peduncle
nectar disc
nectary base
1cm
Figure 3: Drawing of the longitudinal section through the flower of P. macrophylla (R. Hilgenhof, 2012)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
5 sepals and 5 petals, equally sized or the sepals slightly larger. The hypanthium can be
campanulate, funnel shaped or cylindric (Feuillet,-2002); short and inconspicuous (e.g. sect.
Astrophea) or long and obvious (sect. Botryastrophea) (Killip,-1938). Some species of sect.
Botryastrophea (P. amoena, P. pyrrhantha, P. spicata and P. spinosa) exhibit an unusual feature, as
the base of the hypanthium is divided into 5 nectar chambers, supposedly a pollination adaptation
(see chapter 4.1) (Holm-Nielsen,-Jørgensen-&-Lawesson,-1988). 2 to 5 rows of coronal filaments;
greenish yellow or yellow to orange in colour, sometimes with purple speckles (sect. Pseudastrophea
e.g. P.-candida) (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). The filaments are plumose in the 2 species of sect.
Leptopoda (Feuillet-&-Cremers-1984), and reduced in sect. Botryastrophea (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,
2004) mostly dilated in the upper half (Vanderplank,-1991).
The fruits are unilocular berries, which are in cross section 3-costate, hexagonal or round (Feuillet,
2002), containing multiple generally reticulate seeds (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004) that are
surrounded by fleshy arils. The pericarp is thin and leathery (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
3.3 Distribution
Nearly all representatives of the subg. Astrophea are indigenous to South America, with two
exceptions amongst the members of supersect. Astrophea; Passiflora-tica-Gòmez-Laur.-&-Gòmez
(Costa Rica to Colombia) and P.-pittieri (Belize to Colombia) (Escobar, 1994) (see-Figure-4;-Appendix
5). Both are native to Central America.
The main area of distribution is in the tropical lowland countries of northern South America, of
which Brazil, with a total 24 taxa, accommodates by far the greatest number of species (see-Figure
5). Generally, the countries along the Amazon basin are known to contain a large variety of species.
For example, all members of sect. Botryastrophea are found exclusively in this a part of the world
(Ulmer & MacDougal, 2004).
Figure 4: Distribution map of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species in Central and South America (R.
Hilgenhof, 2011); Source blank map: Vectorya, 2011.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
Total amount
10 of species
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Figure 5: Chart indication the number of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species found per country of origin;
the scale starting from the left with the northernmost distribution to the southernmost country of origin on
right-hand side of the scale (R. Hilgenhof, 2012).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
3.4 Habitat
The majority of species of the subgenus Astrophea are found in a variety of tropical lowland forest
habitats (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
For example, the low altitude rainforest habitats of the three Guianas accommodate a total of 22
species, which are divided into four distinct habitat types; savanna with shrubs and trees (Passiflora
quelchii-Br.), unflooded forest (P.-amoena) (see-Figure-6-A-&-B), cascading stream-side forest (P.
leptopoda) and riverine forest (P. vescoi-Rignon-&-Rignon) (Feuillet,-2011). In Brazil, other rainforest
habitat have been recorded; some species are indigenous to montane rainforest habitats (e.g. P.
elliptica Gardner) at altitudes of just above 800m, and others in coastal forest, the so-called restinga,
where species (e.g. P. pentagona-Mast.) are found growing in well-drained sandy soil conditions
(Ulmer & MacDougal, 2004).
Even though most species are found in low altitude habitats of the tropics there are some which
occur in much higher elevations, ranging well above 1000m above sea level (e.g. P.-arborea). One of
the species with the highest altitude records is P. lindeniana. It is native to the cloud forest of the
lower Andean Mountains in Venezuela (Vanderplank & Magdalena-Rodriguez, 2010), where it is
found in advanced altitudes of up to 2700m. There the species may experience temperatures that
drop as low as 2-4°C during the night (Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010).
A B
Figure 6: A: The forest liana Passiflora amoena in its natural habitat, French Guiana (R. Hilgenhof, 2011), B:
close-up of flower (R. Hilgenhof, 2011)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
Since the early days of studying Passiflora, almost all members of the subg. Astrophea were
regarded as considerably rare, with many known only from the type collection (Killip,-1938).
Passiflora quelchii is such an example, as it was found only a few times (Ulmer-&-Ulmer, -1997) since
it was discovered in 1901. Generally speaking, species of the subg. Astrophea are scarce in the wild
and many, particularly those of supersect. Astrophea, are considered to be endangered or already
extinct (MacDougal,-2007).
There are, however, many others that are endangered, but do not occur in any of the threatened
species registers, such as Cites Appendices (UNEP-WCMC.,-2012). P. lindeniana is one of these
species. The two biggest threats this rare tree is facing is felling for firewood (see-Figure-7) and
deforestation of their natural habitat for agriculture (Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010).
Figure 7: Miguel Molinari next to Passiflora lindeniana in Venezuela. The mature specimen was cut down to
use the timber for firewood; fortunately it started to reshoot from the short stump which remained (M.
Molinari, 2007).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 3: Introduction to
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Passiflora subgenus Astrophea
Since 1993 this lead to a population decline from 20 known mature specimens to only four
(Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010). Miguel Molinari, a Passiflora enthusiast, who has
observed the wild population in Estado de Merida, Venezuela for many years, is raising awareness of
the threats and the eventual risk of extinction for the species in the near future (Vanderplank-&
Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010). A few years later more adult trees were discovered and the
population has since begun to stabilize. Unfortunately they are now confronted with a new threat;
an insect pest (see-Chapter-4). This pest has had a grave impact on the regeneration of the wild
population (Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2010).
Figure 8: Passiflora lindeniana in its natural habitat: A: tree in leaf (M. Molinari, 2005), B: the same specimen
after leaf fall revealling the branch structure (M. Molinari, 2005)
These are only two examples but nearly all species of the subg. Astrophea are of conservation
concern. Further investigation on population dynamics and the possible threats these species face is
in serious need of review in order to determine their IUCN status.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Chapter 4: Ecology
The representatives of subg. Astrophea have unique relationships with other organisms within their
ecosystem. These interactions not only determine the plant morphology (see Chapter 2.3) but have
a major impact on the growing behaviour of many individuals. For their cultivation, as discussed in
chapter 5, it is important to gain an understanding of the natural growing behaviour as this greatly
influences how the plants perform in the man-made environment.
4.1 Pollination
The floral ecology of the majority of species (white to greenish-white sepals and petals, yellow to
orange corona filaments, short floral hypanthium, and faint odours) suggest that these are
pollinated by insects (Escobar,-1994). For example, Passiflora pittieri from Costa Rica is evidently
visited and pollinated by commonly called orchid bees of the genus Eulaema Lepeletier (Gilbert,
2004). These are considerably large insects with a bumble bee-like appearance (see Figure 9A)
(Gilbert,-2004), which are exclusively found throughout the Neotropic region (Federal University of
Viçosa,-2012). The species of sect. Astrophea (e.g.-P.-arborea,-P.-lindeniana,-and-P.-macrophylla)
are also known to be pollinated by large-sized bees (Escobar,-1994). P. macrophylla has an unusual
way of presenting its flowers to the pollinating insect, the otherwise somewhat pendent leaves rising
as soon as the first flower is ready to open. Sepals and petals of each flower become completely
reflexed throughout the day and curl themselves around any present part of the inflorescence (e. g.
pedicle, peduncle, and flower buds) (see-Figure-18B). It is assumed that this mechanism plus the
long slightly s-shaped peduncle helps the flower to withstand the weight of the heavy pollinating
insect as it attempts landing on the coronal structure, preventing the flower from dropping off.
The second group of species attract a different type of pollinator. These are the members of sect.
Botryastrophea and produce orange to reddish coloured inflorescences along the mature stem,
which appear close to the ground or near by the forest edge (Escobar,-1994). The flower
morphology (elongated hypanthium and short filaments), as well as colouration and absence of
floral odours, are good indicators for hummingbird pollination (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004). A
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
striking feature that is found in at least four of these species (P.-amoena, P.-pyrrhantha, P.-spicata,
and P.-spinosa) is the separation of the basal part of the hypanthium into five distinct segments
(Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004;-Vanderplank,-2011). This remarkable characteristic guarantees a higher
pollination rate as the individual hummingbird has to spend more time at each flower in order to
obtain most of the nectar (Ulmer-&-MacDougal,-2004).
A B
Figure 9: A: An orchid bee of the genus Eulaema pollinating the flower of Passiflora pittieri (L. Gilbert, 2004), B:
Dissected flower of Passiflora amoena, showing parts of the chambered hypanthium (R. Hilgenhof, 2011)
4.2 Herbivores
4.2.1 Coevolution
The most important group of herbivores associated with the members of the genus Passiflora are
the colourful Heliconius-Kluk butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae:
Heliconiini) from the Neotropics. Larval stages of these maracuja butterflies, also known as
Longwings, feed exclusively on the leaves of Passiflora species. Although the foliage is known to
contain defence toxins, the caterpillars have evolved over time and can tolerate these poisonous
substances. They have developed the ability to degrade the cyanogenic glycosides produced by the
plant with specialized enzymes and use them for their own protection (Ulmer-&-MacDougal, -2004).
As a result of this coevolution, Passiflora species feature a great diversity of leaf forms, sizes and
colours. Many species have developed additional defence mechanism such as egg-mimicries and
extrafloral nectaries.
Nearly all passionflowers are known for their close relationship with Heliconius butterflies and in
most cases these will feed on more than one Passiflora species. This is different with many of the
- 18 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
heliconiine butterflies that are associated with the members of the subg. Astrophea. Nearly all are
monophagous and will exclusively feed on only one taxon (see-Table-1).
The “Holstein” butterfly (Heliconius-sapho-Drury) is famous for its complex relationship with
Passiflora pittieri in Belize. Larvae of the butterfly can only feed on young leaves as toxin levels found
in mature foliage are lethal (Meerman,-2002). In addition to the chemical defence they become
very tough and leathery when mature, hence difficult for the early instars to eat (Gilbert,-2004).
Passiflora-pittieri is a so-called episodic grower. This behaviour presumably resulted of the
coevolution as for most of the year the plant remains inactive and does not provide any suitable
food for the caterpillars. During this period the butterfly is unable to lay eggs and has developed the
ability to survive for up to 6 months on the pollen of Psiguria-Neck.-ex.-Arn. vines, until the
Passiflora starts producing new foliage (Meerman,-2002). Once the plant begins to produce high
quantities of new shoots, the “Holstein” butterfly deposits clusters of eggs on the shoot-meristem
(Meerman,-2002; Gilbert,-2004). New growth is in the beginning quite stunted but will eventually
start to grow very quickly. As the shoots expand the eggs are equally distributed over the whole
area of new growth (Meerman,-2002), minimising the risk of larval cannibalism and ensuring enough
food for each individual. The eggs are timed to hatch as soon as enough young foliage has developed
(Meerman,-2002). The mass feeding of the Heliconius butterfly larvae, resulting in total consumption
of new growth limits the size of most plants found in the wild (Gilbert,-2004).
Table 1: List of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species in relation to associated the Heliconius butterfly species.
Passiflora pittieri Mast. (Mexico & Central America) ² Heliconius sapho Drury ²
Passiflora pittieri Mast. (Costa Rica & Panama) ² Heliconius hewitsoni Staudinger ²
Sources: ¹Ulmer & MacDougal, 2004; ² Gilbert, 2004; ³ Boender & Ulmer, 2001
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
A B C
Figure 10: A: Heliconius sapho (J.C. García Morales, 2010), B: Larvae of H .sapho and/or H. hewitsoni on P.
pittieri at ButterflyWorld (R. Hilgenhof, 2011), C: Cluster of eggs on shoot tip of P. candida (R. Hilgenhof, 2011)
Heliconius butterflies are not the only Lepidoptera L., which are known to feed on passionflowers of
the subg. Astrophea during their larval stages.
Representatives of the genus Eueides Hübner, a strip-mining butterfly with a similar appearance to
heliconiine butterflies but smaller (Beltrán,-Jiggins-&-Brower,-2009), and in fact a very close relative,
was observed marking the leaves of P. pittieri (Gilbert, -2004). Despite the damage, leaves persist on
the plant for a number of years (Gilbert,-2004).
A few species of neotropical, diurnal moths of the genus Getta Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea:
Notodontidae: Josiini), which probably mimic the appearance of Heliconius spp., are also known for
rearing their offspring exclusively on Astrophea species (Miller &-Brower,-2009b). For example,
Passiflora tica is the host-plant of Getta tica Miller occurring in Costa Rica and Panama (see-Figure-
10) (Miller-&-Brower, -2009a). In Ecuador Passiflora macrophylla is the food plant for Getta baetifica
Druce (Miller-&-Brower, -2009b), whereas the larvae of Getta niveifascia Walker are reared on
Passiflora candida, found in French Guiana (Miller-&-Brower, 2009c).
A B
Figure 11: Getta tica; A: adult moth (J.S. Miller, 2009a), B: larval stage (J.S. Miller, 2009a)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Passiflora pittieri is one of the very few species of the subg. Astrophea that has been studied
thoroughly in conjunction with Heliconius studies. It is known that in their natural habitat of Costa
Rica they also suffer from regular infestation by certain Coleoptera-L. species (Gilbert, -1996).
Pedilia sirena Duckett, for example, is a monophagous flea beetle that exclusively feeds on P. pittieri
(Duckett, -1989-&-2003; -Gilbert, -2004). It is known to not only attack the new plant growth but
sometimes feed on Heliconius hewitsoni eggs, if present (Duckett, -2003). When grown in-situ,
reports of infestation of P. pittieri by a number of other flea beetle species and genera have been
recorded. These are usually found in connection with other Passiflora (Gilbert,-1996-&-2012a). The
examples of other documented genera are: Monomacra spp. Chevrolat., Ptocadica spp. Harold, and
Rhabdopterus spp. Lefevre (Smiley,-1982;-Thomas,-1990).
A B
Figure 12: A: Red Pedilia close-up (J. Smiley, 1982), B: Pedilia flea beetles on Passiflora pittieri at La Selva. (J.
Smiley, 1982), C: Red Pedilia larvae (J. Smiley, 1982)
Insects of the order Hymenoptera-L., leaf cutter ants (Atta cephalotes-L.-and A.-colombica-Gué.-
Ménev.) are occasionally found to cause minor damage to the plant foliage (Thomas,-1990).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 4: Ecology
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The leaves of passionflowers are not the only favourable food source to herbivores. Sometimes
other plant parts, such as fruits, are affected. During an experiment of the fruit dispersal of P.
pittieri (thought to be bat dispersed) it was discovered that the fruit were covered with flag-legged
bugs of the genus Diactor Perty, which feed on the seeds (Gilbert,-2004-&-2012b)
Similarly, in Colombia the larvae of a small fly, Anastrepha dryas Stone, are known to feed on the
seed arils of the developing fruits of various Passiflora spp. (Vanderplank & Magdalena-Rodriguez,
2010). Since migrating to Venezuela the species has become a real threat to the rare Passiflora
lindeniana (see-Chapter-2.5) as it causes seed production to fail, resulting in a decline of the wild
populations as the whole regeneration process is halted (Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,
2010).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Compared to species in other subgenera of Passiflora, the members of the subg. Astrophea are
rarely found in cultivation (see-Appendix-6,-Figure-13). Although these curiosities are great
additions for any plant collection, they are relatively difficult to obtain and if a plant is brought into
cultivation growing success can be a challenge.
Many fail to grow these plants in cultivation because the plants have an unpredictable growing
pattern, which can be related to the coevolution with the Heliconius butterflies, as well as
environmental factors these species come across. For this reason specialist knowledge is required to
successfully cultivate. Astrophea, in particular those with a tree-like growth are known to have
episodic growth. This is distinguished by long periods of apparent dormancy during which plants
may even drop their leaves entirely, followed by flushes of new growth.
Figure 13: Passiflora subgenus Astrophea found in cultivation (R. Hilgenhof, 2012)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
The following paragraphs could provide useful guidance for the successful cultivation of subg.
Astrophea:
Astrophea spp. are indigenous to the warmer regions of South and Central America, so in order to
achieve success in their cultivating in less favourable climates, a glasshouse is essential. The majority
of species occur in warm and humid climates and require a tropical growing environment, whereas
others like Passiflora lindeniana, which are found growing at higher elevations, need to be cultivated
in temperate or subtropical conditions.
The temperature requirement in cultivation may vary depending on which species is grown. Species
native to temperate regions, such as P. lindeniana, hardly ever experience temperatures that rise
above 26°C, but they can cope with temperatures that drop to 2-4 °C (Vanderplank & Magdalena-
Rodriguez, 2010). It is essential to replicate these conditions within the growing environment.
Recommended temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C during winter to a maximum of 30°C
during summer. When the maximum temperatures are exceeded plants respond by etiolating, but
also in some species (e.g. P.-lindeniana, P.-sphaerocarpa) the young, soft foliage tends to show signs
of yellowing distortion (see-Figure-14). This condition seems less of a problem for mature leaves, as
these are tough and leathery. Tropical species on the other hand are exposed to warmer climates
and therefore grow well in higher temperatures ranging from 18-35°C. These species cope easily
with short-term increases in temperature above the maximum but temperatures below the
minimum should be avoided. In addition, these warmth-loving species will benefit from soil
temperatures maintained at 24°C (Vanderplank, 2012).
By looking at the area of natural distribution, the necessary humidity levels needed by a species in
cultivation can be ascertained. In French Guiana, the humidity levels in tropical regions vary from an
average minimum of 63.5% to average maximum of 98%. During the period of September there is
rapid decrease in humidity, which is subsequent to a dry season within the country, at which stage
the species show signs of dormancy. When growing these species within a glasshouse an average
humidity of 80% should be maintained throughout their growing season, but can be reduced when
they show signs of dormancy. Similarly the humidity in the temperate regions, such as mountain
areas of Venezuela have a minimum of 50% and maximum of 99%, therefore an ideal humidity
under glass would be maintained at 75%. The humidity levels in winter could be potentially
decreased as plants show signs of a period of dormancy. An increase in humidity is advisable when
new growth is noticed, to avoid it being aborted.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
In nature Astrophea spp. experience constant levels of daylight, roughly 10 to 12 hours all year
round. When cultivated outside their country of origin, for example in Europe, these conditions are
only achieved during the summer month; therefore supplementary lights during the winter are
recommended (Vanderplank,-2012), but is not essential. Some species are considered canopy
species, whereas other species tend to grow in the understory, so in order to cultivate these plants
within the glasshouses the canopy species require higher light conditions and the understory species
need to be semi-shaded (e.g.-P.-macrophylla). The amount of light provided to the plants can
sometimes determine their type of growth, so P. pittieri for example will grow liana-like in poor light
conditions, but in full sun will develop a shrub-like growth (Gilbert,-2004). Not only the growing
habit but also the flower development is regulated through the supply of light; in general flower
buds will only be produced if this is sufficient.
Container-grown plants are watered as required but should never be left to dry out completely. The
demand of water will increase as new growth appears. The plants will take up more water as they
develop into maturity. Young leaves are very soft and if the plant comes under water stress they dry
out very quickly and could get aborted. On the other hand species may go through periods where
they shed their leaves completely, during which time they will consequently need less water. In
terms of water quality it would be beneficial to use either rain water or tap water treated through
reverse osmosis plus additional acid injection, as most plants such as the Guianan species experience
acid rains in their natural environment (Vecchia,-2012).
A variety of organic-based standard potting media (pH 5.5-6.5) with low contents of clay or loam
appear to be suitable for growing this species, as long as free drainage is guaranteed. In order to
ensure good drainage inorganic materials such as lava stones, pumice and perlite can be added.
When potting-on the species, the height of planting is important as the wrong level can be fatal. Re -
potting should always be kept to the natural nursery line. Slow-release fertilizer contained in the
growing medium will ensure a constant supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, but in
particular as new flushes of growth appear plants respond well to additional feeds.
In cultivation under glass the plants are generally grown in containers and it is advisable to attempt
to pot-up the plants just before they start a new flush of growth. The advantage is that plants
increase in size more readily and flower production is more likely.
Most species require a little pruning and it is mainly carried out to re-shape the specimen.
In cultivation the plant is exposed to a variety of common glasshouse pests, such as mealy bug, scale
insect and occasionally aphids. If effectively controlled they generally do not pose a problem.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Nematodes and red spider mites are more of an issue as the species of subg. Astrophea like many
other Passiflora spp. are susceptible to these. If outbreaks become severe, organic or inorganic
pesticides could be used. It is advised that care should be taken when applying these chemicals to
young foliage as it could result in chemical burn (Beattie, -2011).
The most promising method of propagating is through seeds. In most case these are sourced from
wild plants. In cultivation viable seeds are hardly ever obtained as the plants are self-incompatible
and species of the same kind rarely flower at the same time and therefore an exchange of pollen
cannot be accomplished. The seeds are sown on sterile, low-nutrient compost. They are covered
with a layer of sowing compost 2-3 times the thickness of the seed. Some plant breeders prefer to
soak the seeds for 3-5 days in a water bath (Ulmer-&-Ulmer,-2012) in order to soften the seed coat
as well as to dispose of inhibiting hormones through the renewal of the water (Vecchia,-2012). For
successful germination these are placed in an enclosed, high humidity (up to 100%) environment,
providing temperatures of 20-30°C with supplementary bottom heat maintained at 25°C. Depending
on the quality of seed material germination generally takes place after 3-4 weeks, but can occur as
early as two (Vanderplank,-2012). While the seedlings begin to emerge it is helpful to provide
occasional misting as this helps to soften the endocarp and enables a good development of the
emerging cotyledons. Seedlings should be well established and contain at least 2 pairs of true leaves
before pricking out into small individual pots. For good establishment after pricking, keep the
seedlings in the sowing environment for a further 5-6 weeks. The best time to harden off the
seedlings is as soon as two or three true leaves have grown. When these become leathery they are
less susceptible to the change of climatic conditions unlike the young foliage. Seed material is most
often unavailable so as result one has to resort to vegetative propagation methods.
Amongst species with a tree-like growth, clonal propagation methods such as cuttings are not
considered very promising. Nevertheless, it is achievable. Cuttings are best taken in summer as
growth is more abundant and suitable propagation material is readily available. In addition to
increased plant growth activity, the cuttings benefit from the increase in light level duration and
quality and rooting is more achievable. When semi-ripe apical or internodal cuttings with three to
four nodes are used, greater success rates are found. Leaves that are immature or too large in size
should be reduced to about ⅓ to ¼, whereas the mature leaves of small-leafed species do not need
to be decreased in size as their ‘leathery’ cuticle reduces wilting (Magdalena-Rodriguez, 2011). The
cuttings are placed in enclosed propagation units with ideal temperatures maintained at of 20-30°C.
A relative humidity from 90 up to 100% is desired in order to avoid dehydration of the cutting
(Magdalena-Rodriguez, 2011). Additional bottom heat, preferably 21-24°C may help to increase the
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
speed of the rooting process (Magdalena-Rodriguez,-2011). Root formation is generally very slow
but with the addition of rooting hormones (indol-3-ylbutyric acid, naphylacetic acid), after
approximately three weeks, root formation could be expected in some species (e.g. P. -jussieui).
Cutting mediums need to be low-nutrient and near sterile and those with the best results have used
a combination of one or more of the following: coir, peat, perlite and vermiculite.
Other vegetative propagation techniques such as layering or air-layering may be more successful
than cuttings. In this instance the propagated material roots whilst remaining connected to the
mother plant, from which it is supplied the energy it needs. The use of layering is unexplored for
most species, but it is likely to work well with those plants of liana- or vine-like habit. The use of air-
layering is greatly recommended for the propagation of the tree-like species (see-Chapter-5.3).
Other methods such as grafting have also been tried on some species with great success (see-
Chapter-5.3).
Figure 14: Yellow disstortion on the leaf of Passiflora sphaeropcarpa (R. Hilgenhof, 2011)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Passiflora jussieui, or formerly known as Passiflora citrifolia (Juss.) Mast. occurs in the lowland
rainforest of French Guiana and Suriname (Feuillet, 2010). As a member of sect. Capreolata it is
closely related to the true trees but, unlike these, P. jussieui is a climbing shrub. The shrub-like
growth habit is displayed whilst the plants are young but, as they mature, they become more liana-
like (Feuillet, 2010). The species bear well-developed tendrils, so at first sight it could easily be
mistaken for the representatives of other subgenera, and only on close examination reveals the
typical characteristics of the members of subg. Astrophea (For-the-original-species-publication-see
Appendix-7).
Passiflora jussieui, compared to its relatives, is quite commonly cultivated and considered
comparatively easy to grow. Throughout most of the year within Europe, the species will require a
glasshouse for cultivation, like many other species of the subgenus that occur in the tropics. This
species amongst all Astrophea spp. is regarded as relatively easy to make flower, however flowers
occur only on mature specimens. It is observed that specimens grown in pots show a decreased
flower production when pot bound (Vanderplank,-2012), therefore regular re-potting is advised.
A
B
Figure 15: Passiflora jussieui; A: closeup corona filaments and reproductive organs (C. Feuillet, 2003), B:
developing flower buds (C. Feuillet, 2003), C: sideview of the flower (C. Feuillet, 2003)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
The following table provides species specific cultural recommendations, which were obtained
through personal experience and the supplementary information gathered through the
questionnaires completed by a number of plant breeders. For full details of the questioner see
Appendix 13.
General cultivation
Growing medium Variety of organic based standard potting media (pH 5.5-6.5) with low
(for container grown contents of clay or loam appear to be suitable for growing this species, as
specimen) long as these are free-draining. In order to ensure good drainage, add
inorganic materials such as lava stones and pumice.
Temperature (18) 19-30 (35)°C ; recorded to be grown in winter with temperatures as
low as 10°C. Soil temperature of 25°C.
Propagation
A) Generative propagation
Source of material Generally unavailable from wild plants, cultivated seeds have not been
obtained so far, therefore information on generative propagation not
available.
Time of sowing unknown
Seed treatment prior unknown
sowing
Sowing medium unknown
Sowing environment unknown
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Aftercare unknown
environment
B) Vegetative propagation
Cuttings Very promising method and good results were reported by a number of
plant breeders.
Time of propagation Most breeders stated that, so far, they have only tried taking cuttings
during the summer and they achieved good success rates.
Material used Semi-ripe apical or internodal cuttings with two to four nodes; mature
leaves do not necessarily need to be reduced in size as they are leathery
and unlikely to wilt.
Rooting hormones Use of hormones is advised, for more information see 5.1.
Cutting medium Combination of the following: coir, peat, perlite and vermiculite.
Time to rooting With the addition of rooting hormones root formation could be expected as
early as three weeks.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Passiflora lindeniana is the largest of all the true trees. Mature specimens in the wild are recorded
to grow as tall as 20m, accomplishing a basal girth of 1.25m (Vanderplank-&-Magdalena-Rodriguez,
2010). Like all members in sect. Astrophea this species has lost its tendrils entirely (For-full-species
description-see-Appendix-8).
It is found growing naturally at higher elevations where temperatures are considered low (see
chapter 3.4), therefore cultivation should be undertaken in a temperate glasshouse. In some parts
of Europe it is possible to grow the species outdoors during the summer as long as temperatures do
not exceed a maximum of 25°C and the nights are frost-free. Compared to other members of the
subgenus, this species cannot be regarded as easy to cultivate. Not only are plants in the wild
known to shed their leaves at certain times of the year, in cultivation this can also take place during
the winter months in response to unfavourable climatic conditions. The exact reason for this is
undetermined. P. lindeniana is orgy-flowered. This means all the flower buds open over the course
of just a few of days. This phenomenon is rarely seen in cultivation, as it difficult to induce flower
production. In Europe, the first record of a flowering plant was made by the Flora und Botanischer
Garten Köln, Germany, in June 2009, only one month before the first flowering plant in the UK was
recorded at the RBG, Kew.
A B
Figure 16: Passiflora lindeniana; A: flowering for the first time at RBG, Kew in July 2009 (N. Johnson, 2009), B:
close-up of the flower (N. Johnson, 2009)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
The following table provides species specific cultural recommendations, which were obtained
through personal experience and the supplementary information gathered through questionnaires
completed by a number of plant breeders. For full details of the questioner see Appendix 14.
Pest & Diseases Red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae C. L. Kock), mealy bug
(Pseudococcidae spp.), scale insect (Coccidae spp.) and nematodes
(Meloidogyne spp.).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Propagation
C) Generative propagation
Source of material Seeds are the easiest and most successful way of propagating this species,
plus material is available on a regular basis.
Time of propagation It is probably best done during the springtime. Vanderplank (2012)
recommends the equinox period as during this time day and night length
are equally the same which benefits the rooting process.
Material used Semi-ripe, woody internodal (sometimes also nodal) cutting with 3-4 nodes;
the leaves are reduced to ⅓ of the original size (these get generally aborted
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Rooting hormones The use of hormones is certainly recommended as rooting results are
generally very poor; for more information see 5.1.
Cutting medium Sterile, open, low nutrient propagation compost: 70% coir and 30% Perlite.
Vanderplank (2012) also succeeded with vermiculite pots.
Time to rooting With the use of rooting hormones formation of new root growth occurs the
earliest after 8 weeks but is more likely to take 4-6 month (or even longer!).
It has been observed that the production of new foliage was a good
indicator for rooting success of individual cuttings.
Aftercare See Chapter 5.1
Other methods
Air-layering:
This is compared to cuttings much more promising as roots are produced while the branch is still
attached to the mother plant and a continuous supply of nutrients is provided. Experience show that
the best method of air-layering is ring-barking. The air-layer produces callus readily but
unfortunately tends to be reluctant to produce roots. For successful root formation it is advices to
wound the callus and treat it with rooting hormone (Johnson, 2011).
Grafting:
This method is more often used in order to give species more tolerance to unfavourable climatic
condition but can also be used for the vegetative propagation of plants, which are otherwise difficult
to be propagated.
At the RBG, Kew P. lindeniana has successfully been bud-grafted onto the rootstock of the closely
related species P. macrophylla, which not only developed a healthy plant but made it less
susceptible to warmer soil conditions (Magdalena Rodriguez, 2012).
Vanderplank (2012) on the other hand had great success by butt-grafting the species onto the hardy
P. caerulea (subg. Passiflora) rootstock, with the result of an increased tolerance to cold and damp
soil conditions.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
A B
C D
E F G
Figure 17: Passiflora lindeniana; A+B: air-layer and callus formation, C: seedlings, D: chemical burn, E+F:
cuttings rooted after six month, G: established cutting one month after potting-up (Fig. A-G: R. Hilgenhof,
2009-2012)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Passiflora macrophylla is a medium-sized (4-6m), understory tree that is found growing in the
tropical lowland forests of Ecuador and Columbia. Like its close relative P. lindeniana, typical
climbing aids for the genus Passiflora no longer remain for this species. P. macrophylla bears
enormous leaves by which it can be easily distinguished from others of the subgenus. In fact, they
are the biggest in the entire genus and can, in mature wild plants, reach a length of up to 1m. The
foliage is held on the tip of the otherwise leafless, generally un-branched stem (For-detailed
description-see-Appendix 9). In cultivation, an impressive length of up to 53cm has been recorded
by the author.
The species is one of the most commonly found species in cultivation (see-Appendix-6). Originating
in tropical conditions, it is only suitable for cultivation in a tropical glasshouse that provides warm
and high humidity conditions. If the cultural conditions are favourable, the plants may even flower in
cultivation. When this is the case, an interesting phenomenon for attracting the pollinators is
observed (see-Chapter-4.1).
A B
Figure 18: The first bloom of Passiflora macrophylla at the RBG, Kew in July 2010; A: Flower open, showing the
typically reflexed position of petals and sepal, B: flower buds (Fig A+B: R. Hilgenhof, 2010)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
The following table provides species specific cultural recommendations, which were obtained
through personal experience and the supplementary information gathered from questionnaires
completed by a number of plant breeders. For full details of the questioner see Appendix 15.
Propagation
E) Generative propagation
Source of material Seeds are occasional available from specialized seed supplier or are sourced
from wild specimen.
Time of sowing Seeds can be sown throughout the year providing they are sown in a
suitable propagation.
Seed treatment prior Not essential but can be soaked the seeds in warm water prior sowing
sowing (See also Chapter 5.1).
Sowing medium Sterile, open sowing compost containing combinations of the following:
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Time of propagation Probably best during the growing season (spring/summer) as more new
growth is more abundant and therefore suitable propagation material
available. Vanderplank (2012) recommends the equinox periods.
Material used Semi-ripe apical or internodal cuttings with one to three nodes; mature
leaves are due to their large size reduced (depending on the leaf size some
can be reduced to ⅟₅ - ⅟₁₀ of the original size). (see Figure 19G)
Rooting hormones Use of hormones is recommended but root formation is possible without,
for more information see Chapter 5.1.
Cutting medium Combination of the following: coir, perlite and vermiculite or pure
vermiculite.
Time to rooting 2-4 weeks, but has been documented to takes as long as 20 weeks.
Other methods
Other propagation techniques have not been used as other propagation methods are successful
The root stock of P. macrophylla was used for grafting of P. lindeniana (see Chapter 5.3)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
A B C
D E F
G H
Figure 19: Passiflora macrophylla; A: new emerging growth, B: pendulous leaves covering the developing
flower buds, C: leaves rise when the plant starts flowering, D: extrafloral nectar gland, E: healthy specimen, F:
same specimen under watered, G: cutting, H: Root formation three weeks (Fig. A-H: R. Hilgenhof, 2009-2012)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Passiflora pittieri is one of the only two species of subg. Astrophea that occur in Central America (see
Chapter 3.3). It is well known and researched in relation to its co-evolution with the maracuja
butterflies, Heliconius sapho and H. hewitsoni (see-Chapter-4.2.1). For this reason it is often grown
by lepidopterists as a food source for caterpillars, but it is becoming increasingly coveted by botanic
gardens and private collectors. Like P. jussieui it is placed in sect. Capreolata and is therefore a very
close relative of the tree-like species. During their juvenile stage they are shrubs lacking tendrils,
which at maturity grow into large lianas with well-developed climbing aids (For detailed species
descriptions see Appendix 10). They are known to be long-lived but very slow growing (Ulmer-&-
MacDougal,-2004), as they undergo long periods of growth inactivity (see-Chapter-4.2.1). Gilbert
(2004) documented that in about 20 years an initially small shrub-like plant, which he grew in-situ in
Costa Rica, increased its stem diameter at the base to 20cm.
P. pittieri requires tropical growing conditions and, in Europe, is most suitably grown in a glasshouse
environment. In cultivation, flower production is generally quite successful if the right conditions
are provided (see table below) and, particularly with hand pollinated plants grown in-situ cultivation,
viable seeds were obtained on multiple occasions (Gilbert,-2004). P. pittieri looks like P. tina from
Ecuador, which has similar growing requirements.
A B
Figure 20: Passiflora pittieri flowering in cultivation at UK National Collection of Passiflora; A: side view of
flower (J.-Vanderplank, 2009), B: front view (J.-Vanderplank, 2009)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
The following table provides species specific cultural recommendations, which were obtained
through personal experience and the supplementary information gathered from questionnaires
completed by a number of plant breeders. For full details of the questionnaire see Appendix 16.
Propagation
G) Generative propagation
Source of material Even though hand-pollinating the species is very promising, providing a
pollen exchange between two taxa is guaranteed, seeds are generally not
available to most plant breeders and therefore details for this method of
propagations are very sparsely.
Time of sowing During the summer month.
Seed treatment prior None
sowing
Sowing medium Sterile, low nutrient, organic sowing compost.
Sowing environment Temperatures: at day 33°C and night 22°C.
Aftercare Pricking out occurred 9 month after showing; see also Chapter 5.1.
environment
H) Vegetative propagation
Cuttings Successful propagation method with good results achieved by various plant
breeders.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
Material used Semi-ripe apical or internodal cuttings with three to five nodes, obtained
from new growth that just started to harden off; leaves reduced either 50%
in size if very big or not at all as similarly to P. jussieui they are relatively
leathery.
Rooting hormones The use of hormones speeds up the process of root formation but is not
essential, for more information see Chapter 5.1.
Cutting medium Sterile, low nutrient compost containing combinations of the following:
coir, peat, perlite and vermiculite; some plant breeders gained success by
using poor clear sand.
Time to rooting Through the application of rooting hormone root formation can take place
as early as 4 weeks but can take a couple of months.
Aftercare See Chapter 5.1
Other methods
Other propagation techniques such as layering or air-layering are not needed as propagation
through cuttings provide high success rates.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
A B
C D E
F
Figure 21: Passiflora pittieri; A+ B: new emerging growth, C: leaf, D: rooted cutting, E: cutting potted-up after
rooting, Passiflora jussieui; F: cutting with ne produced shoot (Fig. A-F: R. Hilgenhof, 2009-2012)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 5: Members of the subgenus
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers Astrophea in cultivation
5.6 Hybrids
Hybrids are the offspring of cross-breeding between species. The hybridisation of two species is very
popular with the species of the genus Passiflora and many hybrids have been breed. This is not the
case with species of the subg. Astrophea, where only one cross of Passiflora macrophylla and P.
sphaerocarpa is known in cultivation. The hybrid was created by Butterfly World founder Ron
Boender, who is known for his large collection of Astrophea spp.
Figure 22: Ron Boender’s hybrid of P. macrophylla x P. sphaerocarpa on display at Butterfly World (R.
Hilgenhof, 2011)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendation
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The subgenus Astrophea is a bizarre and wonderful group of Passiflora, which make great additions
to private and botanic garden collections.
This dissertation summarizes most of the information on Passiflora subg. Astrophea and will
hopefully aid in the cultivation of this species in the future.
This group of plants, although problematic and difficult to grow in cultivation, can be successfully
kept as ex-situ collections if the right conditions and cultural techniques are applied. In order to
achieve this correct species identification is of importance. After careful studies of the subgenus a
greater understanding has been achieved, however there is still scope for further research,
particularly when it comes to the conservations status of individual species. The study of their
behaviour in response to cultivation techniques has proved invaluable. However, it is not possible to
replicate the natural growing conditions within glasshouses. Adjustments therefore need to be made
in order to grow them outside of their natural habitat. In the future this may be of great importance
due to the potential need to conserve these species ex-situ.
The future cultivation of these species would benefit from networks between individuals who grow
these plants. This will not only allow the exchange of knowledge but also the trade of plant material
between organizations. This exchange will make it possible for these species to become more
widespread in cultivation.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – References
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
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Rignon, D. & Rignon, L. 2003. Passiflora vescoi (Passifloraceae), une espèce nouvelle de Guyane
française. Andansonia 25 (2) : p. 219-222.
Sacco, Da Costa J. 1971. Contribuiçã ao Estudo das Passifloraceae do Brasil V – Passiflora cerradense
Sacco n. sp. Simpósio sobre o Cerrado, São Paulo: p. 212-214.
- 49 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – References
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Seringer, A. 2011. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species. [electronic
print] Flora und Botanischer Garten Köln (Personal communication, 6 November 2011).
Smiley, J. (1982). Passiflora Flea Beetle Project. [online]. Heliconius Project 1973-1986. Available at:
http://www.wmrs.edu/people/BIOs/john%20smiley/heliconius project/ [Accessed 14 February
2012].
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. 2011. Species search. [online]. Available at: http://www.stri.
si.edu/ [Accessed 31 January 2012].
Stevens, P.F. 2001 onwards. Passifloraceae. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Version 9, June 2008.
[online]. Available at: http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/ [Accessed 5 February
2012].
The International Plant Names Index, 2005. Search Plant Names. [online]. Plant name Query.
Available at: http://www.ipni.org/ [Accessed 02 December 2011].
The Plant List, (2010). Search. [online]. A working list of all plant species. Available at:
http://www.theplantlist.org/ [Accessed 02 December 2011].
Ulmer, T. & MacDougal, J.M. 2004. Passiflora – Passionflowers of the World. Timber Press.
Ulmer, B. & Ulmer, T. 1997. Passionsblumen – Eine faszinierende Gattung, 1st Edition. Laupenhütten
Druck.
Ulmer, B. & Ulmer, T. 1999. Faszinierende Pflanzenwelt – Passionsblumen. 1st Edition. Formosa-
Verlag.
Ulmer, B. & Ulmer, T. 2005. Farbatlas Passionsblumen – Colour Atlas Passionflowers. Formosa-
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Ulmer, B. & Ulmer, T. 2012. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species.
Blumen & Passiflora [electronic print] (Personal communication, 2 February 2012).
- 50 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – References
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Van Aalst, H. 2011. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species.
Passifloratuin [electronic print] (Personal communication, 5 December 2011).
Vanderplank, J. 2011. The five chambered floral hypanthium of Passiflora amoena. [conversation]
(Personal communication, 23 July 2011).
Vanderplank, J. 2012. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species. The
National Collection of Passiflora [print] (Personal communication, 10 February 2012).
Vanderplank, J. & Magdalena Rodriguez, C. 2010. 673. Passiflora lindeniana – Passifloraceae. Wiley-
Blackwell Publishing. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. 27(2): p. 123-131.
Vecchia, M. 2012. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species. Collezione
di Passiflora [electronic print] (Personal communication, 26 October 2011).
Vectorya. 2011. Map gallery. [online]. Free Vector World Maps. Available at: http://vectorya.
com/gallery/data/media/8/A_large_blank_world_map_with_oceans_marked_in_blue.gif
[Accessed 14 October 2011].
West, J. 2012. Questioner to the cultivation of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea species. Reserva Rio
Guaycuyacu [electronic print] (Personal communication, 18 January 2012).
- 51 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Appendices
- 52 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Family
Tribe
Genus
Subgenus
Supersection
Section
Series
Species
Subspecies
Variety
Forma
- 53 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
- 54 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
2. Flowers cauliflorous: sepals and petals usually white or whitish, sepals mostly longer than or equal to hypanthium.
3. Floral hypanthium cylindrical, more than 1 cm long, or if less than 1cm long, corona in more than 3 series, operculum erect,
tubular around gynophore, reaching apex of hypanthium except in P. quelchii.
5. Flowers (including sepals) less than 3 cm long; hypanthium ca. 10 mm long, operculum 2.6-5.0 mm long. French
Guiana P. plumosa
5. Flowers (including sepals) more than 4 cm long: hypanthium more than 2 cm long, operculum more than 1 cm
long. Amazon basin, Colombia to Peru P. skiantha
9. Leaves mostly oblong; floral stipe 3-4 mm long. French Guiana to Peru P. citrifolia
3. Floral hypanthium funnelform, or if cylindrical, less than 1cm long and coronal filaments in 3 or fewer series: operculum
erect, not tubular around gynophore, not reaching apex of hypanthium.
10. Petiolar nectaries scar-like or bordered, not raised in center; leaf pubescence yellow; nectaries at leaf margin present
or absent.
12. Major lateral veins of leaves 7-9 pairs, mostly straight, parallel.
13. Leaves membranaceous to coriaceous; petioles (1.3) 1.8-3.0 cm long; flowers 3.0-3.5 cm long. Brazil
P. rhamnifolia
- 55 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
13. Leaves membranaceous; petioles 1.2-1.7 cm long; flowers 2.2-2.4 cm long. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
P. elliptica
12. Major lateral veins of leaves 5-7 pairs, mostly arching, not parallel.
15. Leaf blades lanceolate, ovate, or oblong, coriaceous, mostly acuminate to acute at apex, drying
tan to yellow-green. SE Brazil P. haematostigma
15. Leaf blades obovate to elliptic, stiffly coriaceous, rounded and retuse at apex, drying red-
brown. Central Brazil P. chlorina
10. Petiolar nectaries prominent, rounded; leaf pubescence ferrugineous, nectaries at leaf margin prominent. French
Guiana, Surinam and N Brazil P. candida
2. Flowers on long racemes or cauliflorous (subtended by unexpanded leaves), or occasionally solitary in axil of expanded leaf,
highly colored, pink purple, or red-orange; sepals shorter than hypanthium.
16. Flowering branches to 4 cm long; outer row of coronal filaments 7-10 mm long, 0.6-1.6 mm wide.
17. Leaves mostly elliptic, ovate, or orbicular, 5.8-16.5 cm wide, drying dark, gray or brown.
18. Flowers membranaceous: outer filaments of corona ligulate, membranaceous, not laterally compressed, red-
orange. Guyana P. fuchsiiflora
18. Flowers fleshy: outer filaments of corona obliquely triangular, fleshy, laterally compressed, pink at base,
yellow at apex. Guyana to French Guiana P. amoena
17. Leaves lanceolate to oblong, 2.3-4.8 cm wide, drying light gray or yellow-green, State of Bolivar, Venezuela
P. nuriensis
16. Flowering branches to 60 cm long: outer row of corona filaments 3.0-3.6 mm long, 0.3-0.6 mm wide. Venezuela,
Guyana and North Brazil P. longiracemosa
1. Foliar nectaries at least partially on abaxial surface of leaf blade, along base or midrib, or at juncture of petiole and lamina, not just
confined to petiole.
20. Stems mostly with anomalous secondary growth of the interrupted type; tendrils often deciduous, leaving spiny base;
flowers red or orange, mostly on branches with unexpanded leaves, occasionally in axil of fully expanded leaf: sepals
shorter than hypanthium; hypanthium cylindrical or nearly so, more than 1.5 cm long.
21. Young stems angulate, blackish, peeling in thin flakes when dried.
22. Leaves with conspicuous brown band at margin when dried, mostly obtuse or retuse at apex, mostly
membranaceous; flowers 3.5-5.6 cm long: hypanthium (1.5) 2.2-3.3 (4.5) mm wide. Moist lowland forest,
Orinoco river basin, Venezuela to Brazil P. securiclata
- 56 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
22. Leaves lacking brown bands at margin, mostly acuminate or acute at apex, mostly coriaceous; flowers ca. 6 cm
long: hypanthium ca. 8 mm wide. Upper Amazon river basin of Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil P. holtii
21. Young stems terete, or subangulate, not blackish, not peeling in thin sheets when dried.
25. Fruits yellow, with longitudinal green stripes, and thin, brittle pericarp less than 2.5 mm thick. Cauca
and Magdalena river valleys in Colombia to E lowlands in Bolivia P. spinosa
25. Fruits green, with though, coriaceous pericarp 2.5-6.5 mm thick. Upland non-inundated soils. E
lowlands Venezuela to Peru P. pyrrhantha
24. Sepals more than 1cm wide. Upper Amazon river basin, Brazil-Colombia border P. spicata
23. Hypanthium 2-3 mm wide; seeds 13-15 mm long Upper Amazon river basin, Ecuador, Brazil, and Bolivia
P. rusbyi
20. Stems with concentric rings of secondary wood; tendrils usually not deciduous, occasionally weak, flowers white, or
sometimes spotted with red or red-orange, mostly with yellow corona, borne in axils or fully expanded leaves: sepals
mostly longer than or equal to hypanthium: hypanthium campanulate to funnelform, or if cylindrical, less than 1.5 cm
long.
28. Leaf blades less than 17 cm long, with fewer than 13 pairs of major lateral veins.
30. Outer filaments of corona dilated at apex, not attenuate, second series of filaments
tuberculate; style base thickened and persistent on fruit. Lower Amazon basin, Brazil
P. ceratocarpa
30. Outer filaments of corona attenuate, second series linear; style base not conspicuously
thickened on fruit. Cerrado vegetation, E-central Brazil P. mansoi
28. Leaf blades (17) 19.6-44.0 cm long; major lateral veins more than 13 pairs. Magdalena river valley,
Colombia P. haughtii
32. Leaves ovate to very widely ovate, fine veins of abaxial surface forming an incrassate reticulum.
Venezuela and Guyana P. sclerophylla
- 57 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
32. Leaves lanceolate, ovate or oblong, fine veins of leaves not forming an incrassate reticulum. Upper
Rio Negro, Brazil, and adjacent Colombia P. phaeocaula
35. Fruit subglobose, 2.2-2.5 cm long, 2.0-2.7cm wide, not angled P. faroana
36. Leaf blades 2.7-5.6 cm wide; outer filaments of corona attenuate at apex. Bolivia,
Ecuador, Colombia P. venosa
36. Leaf blades 4.2-9.2 cm wide; outer filaments of corona not attenuate at apex. Peru
P. tessmannii
37. Leaf blades with fewer than 13 pairs of major lateral veins.
38. Operculum 6-10 mm long, tubular around gynophore, with margin at or above apex of
hypanthium.
39. Peduncles bifurcate, 1.4-3.0 (6.1) cm long including pedicel. Belize to NW Colombia
P. pittieri
40. Peduncles 8-27 mm long, solitary or paired, not cauliflorous on short shoots:
hypanthium widely campanulate, 2-7 mm long. Venezuela, French Guiana,
and Guyana P. ovata
38. Operculum less than 6 mm long, not tubular around gynophore, not reaching apex of
hypanthium.
37. Leaf blades with more than 12 pairs of major lateral veins. Amazon river basin from Venezuela
and the Guianas to Peru on inundated soils P. costata
- 58 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
43. Peduncles plus pedicels less than 2.5 cm long. E and Central Cordilleras of Colombia P. sphaerocarpa
47. Leaves mostly widely obovate; hypanthium campanulate, less than 8 mm long, 5-9 mm wide at
apex. Costa Rica to NW Colombia P. tica
47. Leaves mostly oblanceolate; hypanthium narrowly campanulate or short-cylindrical, 8-14 mm long,
4-7 mm wide at apex. Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria and Cordilleras of Colombia P. arborea
48. Leaves on fertile specimens oblanceolate, oblong, or narrowly elliptic, mostly 20-40 cm long, more than
twice as long as wide.
49. Inner filaments of corona dilated at or near apex. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Cordilleras of
Colombia P. arborea
49. Inner filaments of corona narrowly linear. E slopes of E Cordillera, S Colombia, to N Peru
P. putumayensis
48. Leaves on fertile specimens mostly obovate, less than 20 cm long, less than twice as long as broad.
50. Fruits spherical, to 3 cm diam. Nudo de Pasto and W Cordillera of Colombia P. emarginata
50. Fruits ovoid or ellipsoidal, 2.8-6.0 cm long. Coastal Mountains and Andes of Venezuela and NW
Colombia P. lindeniana
53. Peduncle plus pedicel 5.5.-6.5 cm long; flowers 2.5-3.0 cm long. NE Andes of Colombia P. grandis
53. Peduncle plus pedicel 8.2-9.0 cm long; flowers 4.0-4.5 cm long. Andes of Central Peru
P. frutescens
52. Leaves of mature specimens less than 20 cm long. Western Cordillera and Nudo de Pasto in Colombia
P. emarginata
- 59 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1. Foliar nectary glands at apex of petiole, adaxial, swollen, not part of the blade.
3. Leaf blades rufo-tomentose abaxillary; hypanthium funnel-shaped. (Suriname, French Guiana, N Brazil)
P. candida (Poepp. & Endl.) Mast.
6. Leaf blades 12-35 cm long; floral tube 15-20 mm long. (Guyana) P. maguirei Killip
6. Leaf blades 6-9 cm long: floral tube 8-9 mm long. (Venezuela, Guyana) P. cardonae Killip
7. Leaf blades 3-12 cm wide, not undulate at margin, margin with a dark band when dry, with 8 or 9 main
lateral veins. (French Guiana to Peru) P. citrifolia (Juss.) Mast.
7. Leaf blades 2-4 cm wide, strongly undulate at margin, margin without a dark band when dry, with 12-15
main lateral veins. (Guyana) P. quelchii N E.Brown
2. Leaf blades glaucous abaxillary, at least when fresh; perianth pink to red (P. ser. Carnae)
9. Inflorescence short, 1-4 cm long; hypanthium ventricose at the base; outer corona filaments 7-10 mm long.
10. Petiole 1.5-5cm long; perianth fleshy; outer corona filaments pointing outward, ca. 7 mm long, narrowly
triangular, wider near base, pink at base, yellow at apex; fruit reddish green to brownish under a pink
bloom. (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) P. amoena L.K.Escobar
10. Petiole 5-10 cm long; perianth membranaceous; outer corona filaments erect, ca. 10 mm long, subdolabriform,
wider in the upper half, acuminate, orange; fruits green to red-brown. (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana)
P. fuchsiiflora Hemsl.
9. Inflorescence long, 10-600 cm long occasionally blooming before reaching 10 cm long; hypanthium ventricose at the
base or wider near the middle; outer corona filaments 2-3 mm long.
- 60 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
11. Petiole 6-9 cm long; hypanthium cylindrical, ventricose at base; corona in 2 rows. (Guyana, N Brazil)
P. longiracemosa Ducke
11. Petiole 1-2 cm long; hypanthium wider near the middle, not ventricose at base; corona in 3 rows. (Venezuelan
Guayana, Guyana) P. ascidia Feuillet
12. Hypanthium cylindrical, ventricose at the base, long and narrow, sometimes somewhat curved; corona in 2 rows,
outer row filaments ca. 3 mm long. (Venezuelan Guayana, Guyana, N Brazil) P. balbis Feuillet
12. Hypanthium funnel-shaped; corona in 3rows, outer row filaments ca. 6 mm long. (French Guiana)
P. saulensis Feuillet
1. Foliar nectary glands at base of blade, abaxial, on midrib and/or lamina, scar-like.
14. Peduncles 20-60 cm long, pedicels 3.5-7cm long. (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana) P. leptopoda Harms
15. Leaves densely pubescent on both surfaces. (Guyana, French Guiana, N Brazil) P. ceratocarpa F. Silveira
16. Leaves 4-7 cm long, rounded to broadly elliptic or cuneate, blunt or emarginate at apex, reticulate venation
forming abaxially a thick raised net. (Venezuela, Guyana) P. sclerophylla Harms
16. Leaves usually 8-25 cm long, elliptic, ovate or obovate, acuminate to emarginate at the apex, venation not
reticulate.
17. Leaves obovate, with 12-15 pairs of major lateral veins. (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, to Peru)
P. costata Mast.
17. Leaves ovate or elliptic to lanceolate, with <13 pairs of major lateral veins.
18. Leaves elliptic to lanceolate, apex obtuse to acute. (Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana)
P. ovata Martin ex DC.
18. Leaves widely ovate, apex acuminate. (Guyana, French Guiana) P. kawensis Feuillet
- 61 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Passiflora araguensis
Venezuela¹
Escobar (1990) Phytologia 69: 364 1990
Passiflora callistemma
Colombia¹
Escobar (1994) Syst. Bot. 19: 205 1994.
Passiflora ocanensis
Colombia¹
Planch. & Lind. ex Triana & Ann. Sci. Nat. V. Bot. 17: 183.
1000-1700m¹
Planch. (1873) 1873.
Passiflora pubera
Planch. & Lind. ex Triana & Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 5 17: Colombia¹ Passiflora sphaerocarpa var.
Planch. (1873) 185 185 1873. pilosula Mast. (1883)
Colombia, Ecuador,
Passiflora putumayensis
Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., (Peru)¹
Killip (1938)
Bot. Ser. 19: 532 1938. 1100-1900 (2000)m¹
- 62 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Passiflora maguirei
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 75: 415 Guyana, Venezuela¹
Killip (1948) 1948.
Passiflora mariquitensis
Colombia³
Mutis ex Uribe (1954) Mutisia 21: 1 1954.
Passiflora mutisii
Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Colombia¹
Killip (1938) Bot. Ser. 19: 529 1938.
Passiflora nuriensis
Venezuela¹
Steyermark (1968) Acta Bot. Venez. 3: 188 1968.
- 63 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Passiflora cardonae*
Guyana, Venezuela¹
Killip (1939) Brittonia 3: 172 1939.
Passiflora deficiens
Guyana¹
Mast. (1883) J. Bot. 21: 34 1883.
Passiflora elliptica
Brazil¹ Decaloba elliptica (Gardner) Roem.
Gardner (1842) London J. Bot. 1: 173 1842. (1846)
French Guiana,
Passiflora kawensis
Guyana¹
Feuillet (1994)
Novon 4: 236 1994. 300-400m¹
- 64 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
French Guiana,
Passiflora ovata
Venezuela¹
Mart. ex. DC. (1828) Astrophea ovata (Mart., Joseph ex
Prodr. 3: 322 1828. 5-600m¹ DC.) Roem. (1846)
Brazil, Guyana,
Passiflora sclerophylla
Notizbl. Königl. Bot. Gart. Venezuela¹
Harms (1917)
Berlin 6: 347 1917. 1200-2000m¹
Section Botryastrophea (Harms) Killip Series Botryastrophea (Harms) MacDougal & Feuillet
Passiflora pinardia
Herb. Pl. Med. Chin. t. 30
Buc'hoz (1781) 1781.
Ecuador, Peru,
Passiflora pyrrhantha
Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin- Venezuela¹
Harms (1926)
Dahlem 9: 977 1926. 0-1490m¹
Bolivia, Brazil,
Passiflora rusbyi
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club Ecuador¹
Mast. (1890)
17(18?): 282 1890. 320m
Brazil, (Colombia),
Passiflora securiclata Guyana, (Peru),
Mast. (1893) Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1893: Venezuela ¹ Tacsonia spinescens Klotzsch (1848)
12 1893. 30-150 315m¹ Passiflora retrosa Killip (1924)
Passiflora spicata
Brazil, Guyana¹
Mast. (1872) Fl. Bras. 13(1): 545 1872.
- 65 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
French Guiana,
Passiflora amoena
Syst. Bot. 19 (2): 203-205 Guyana, Suriname¹
Escobar (1994)
1994. 75-780m¹
Passiflora ascidia Guyana, Venezuela¹
Feuillet (2002) Brittonia 54: 20 2002. 690-750m¹
Brazil, Guyana,
Passiflora balbis
Venezuela¹
Feuillet (2002)
Brittonia 54: 20 2002. 100-150m¹
Passiflora saulensis
French Guiana¹
Feuillet (2002) Brittonia 54: 24 2002.
- 66 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Passiflora alliacea 1 - 1
Barb. Rod. (1902)
Passiflora amoena 1 - 1
Escobar (1994)
Passiflora arborea 2 2 4
Spreng. (1826)
Passiflora candida 1 - 1
(Poepp. & Endl.) Mast. (1871)
Passiflora fuchsiiflora 1 - 1
Hemsl. (1898)
Passiflora jussieui 4 4 8
Feuillet (2010)
Passiflora lindeniana 5 2 7
Planch. ex Triana & Planch. (1873)
Passiflora macrophylla 7 5 12
Spruce ex Mast. (1883)
Passiflora ovata 1 - 1
Mart. ex DC. (1828)
Passiflora pentagona 1 - 1
Mast. (1872)
Passiflora pittieri 4 4 8
Mast. (1897)
Passiflora plumosa 1 1 2
Feuillet & Cremers (1984)
Passiflora pyrrhantha 1 - 1
Harms (1926)
Passiflora rhamnifolia 1 - 1
Mast. (1872)
Passiflora sphaerocarpa 2 1 3
Triana & Planch. (1873)
Passiflora spinosa 1 - 1
(Poepp. & Endl.) Mast. (1871)
Passiflora sp.
1 - 1
Passiflora tina 1 1 2
Boend. & Ulmer (2001)
P. macrophylla x P. sphaerocarpa 1 - 1
- 67 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Appendix 7 Original description of Passiflora jussieui Feuillet & a key to some species of the Section Capreolata
Original description of Passiflora jussieui Feuill. & a key to some species of the Section Capreolata
Feuillet, sp. nov. Type: FRENCH GUIANA: Piste de Saint-Elie, 1 km from road Cayenne – Saint-Laurent-du-
Maroni (RN 1), 53°00'W, 5°22'N, 7 Sep 2001, fl, M.-F. Prévost & D. Barthélémy 4212 (holotype US; isotype CAY).
? = Tacsonia citrifolia Juss. ex DC., Prodr. 3:335. 1828. Not Distephana citrifolia (Juss. ex DC.) M. Roem., Fam. Nat. Syn. 2:199. 1846.
= Passiflora citrifolia (Juss. ex DC.) sensu Mast., Trans. Linn. Soc. 27:629.1871; nom. illeg., non P. citrifolia Salisb. 1796.
Haec ad subgenero Astrophea sect. Capreolatae pertinens. Ad aliis speciebus, laminis foliorum cum margine subtus atrofasciato, floribus
axillaribus solitarii vel in cauliflora inflorescentia aggregatis, perianthio albo, sepalis extra virellis violaceostriatis, coronae filamentibus 4–5-
seriatis, extima serie explanata flava sed ad medium dense violaceomaculata, seriebus 2 et 3 erectis flavis violaceomaculatis, intima serie
intime reflexa alba, fructibus angusto-fusiformibus 6- angularibus differt.
Scandent shrub when young, then liana, glabrous throughout except the ovary; trunk woody, up to 3cm diam.,
young stems terete, striate; stipules narrowly linear, soon deciduous. Leaves alternate; petioles dark red, 1.5–
4.5 cm long, adaxially 2-glandular at apex, the glands sessile, swollen, becoming saucer-shaped when dry,
yellow, when in growth, the young petiole oblique upward and the blade oblique downward displaying the
yellow glands as a crude egg mimic-structure; blades coriaceous, oblong or ovate-oblong, 12–20 × 5–12 cm,
shortly acute and truncate or rounded at base, abruptly short-acuminate at apex, margin entire, when dry
there is abaxially a conspicuous marginal band, slightly recurved, narrow, dark brown or blackish when dried,
venation pinnate, main lateral veins 4–7(–9) each side of the midrib, strongly arcuate toward the margin,
prominently reticulate, when fresh pale green becoming dark with age, paler green abaxially. Flowers solitary
and axillary on young stems or in cauliflorous racemes with undeveloped leaves, racemes
often short, 1–5 cm long, sometimes as long as 50 cm, peduncles 4–6 mm long, bracts scale-like, glandless,
early deciduous. Flower tube cylindric, 1.5–2 cm long, white to green, often heavily marked with brownish red;
sepals 5, lingulate, about 3 × 1 cm, spreading and often recurved along the tube, outside colored like the tube,
inside white; petals similar to the sepals in shape and habit, white; corona filaments in 4–5 series, the
outermost subdolabriform, spreading, 18 mm long, yellow-green, heavily marked with dark red except at base
and bright yellow apex, those of the next 2–3 series successively shorter, 1/3 to 1/6 as long, thick, oblique to
erect, colored like the first row, the innermost 1–2 mm long, filiform, some slightly capitate, reflexed into the
tube, white; operculum borne halfway up in the floral tube, slightly exerted, tubular, membranous at base,
laciniate at apex, white, light purple at apex; androgynophore 3–3.6 cm long, white to green; stamens 5,
filament flattened, fused at base 1–2 mm, free part 7 mm long, white, anther rectangular, 6–7 × 2 mm, pale
yellow, pollen bright yellow; ovary narrow barrel-shaped, somewhat triangular in transverse section, 4–5 × 2–
2.5 mm, strongly fluted when dry, densely short white- to green- or rufous-villous, 3-carpelled; styles 7–9 mm
long, diameter increasing from base to apex, pale green, stigmas capitate, 3 mm diam., yellow. Fruit hanging,
fusiform, hexagonal, seen only immature and green, glabrous; seeds not seen. My above description agrees in
most points with that given by Killip (1938, p. 541). Single axillary flowers and cauliflory have been observed on
the same plants. Those racemes are actually short stems with bract-like leaves and either they continue
normal vegetative growth, delayed or not, above the flowering segment, or they end their growth and become
caducous after fruiting. The same type of stems with a basal inflorescence-like segment prolonged optionally
by a normal leafy stem with axillary flowers is found toward the base of the main stem in unrelated Passiflora
species like, to cite a few, P. glandulosa Cav. (subg. Passiflora), P. coriacea Juss. and P. suberosa L. (subg.
Decaloba (DC.) Rchb.), or P. balbis Feuillet (subg. Astrophea).
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Distribution and ecology.—Passiflora jussieui is known from French Guiana and Surinam in lowland
rainforest. It has been collected in bloom in Jan, Mar–July, and Sep–Oct. June is the rainiest month and
October the driest in French Guiana. It is likely that the species is not seasonal.
Etymology.—Passiflora jussieui has been named to honor Antoine Laurent de Jussieu (Juss.) who wrote
some of the early important papers for the understanding of the Passifloraceae (1789, 1805a, 1805b).
In cultivation.—Passiflora jussieui is one of the easiest species to propagate in a notoriously difficult
subgenus. It was cultivated in the Botanical Garden of ORSTOM in Cayenne. That single plant is documented by
Cremers 6324 & 7156, Feuillet 1366, de Granville 5525 (all cited below) and was photographed several times
(including Fig. 1B). At the end of October 1991, Linda K. Albert de Escobar took cuttings from this plant. The
cuttings were distributed among American research institutions. I brought cuttings from that same plant that
bloomed outdoors in southern Florida (Butterfly World) on a large arbor, and I grew two plants in a
greenhouse in Maryland where it bloomed every year. The plants grown from these cuttings have been
documented (flowers in spirit collections Feuillet GH-0048 & GH-0120, both at US) and photographed.
Paratypes: (specimens kept at the British National Collection of Passiflora are coded by NCP) SUR INAM: mountains around Emmaketen,
19 Sep 1959, fl, A.G.H. Daniëls & F.P. Jonker 1227 (NY, U-now L) [apparently an error for F.P. Jonker & A.M.E. Jonker-Verhoef (cf. Ek 1991)].
FRENCH GUIANA: Briqueterie, Riv. Mana, Oct 1857, P. Sagot s.n. (K, P-2); Marouany, 1857, P. Sagot 1287 (K, P, P); Ile de Cayenne, L.C.
Richard s.n. (P, type of Tacsonia citrifolia Juss. ex DC., nom. illeg.); 7.5 km SW of Kourou as “Kouron,” 24 Mar 1977, fl, D. Roubik 72 (MO);
Cayenne, 1821, G. Perrottet s.n. (G-DC, not cited by DC in 1828; photographs by Killip, 1925, F, US); Cayenne, 1850, F. Leprieur s.n. (P, P);
Cayenne, 14 Jan 1980, fl, J.-J. de Granville 5525 (CAY-2); Jardin Botanique ORSTOM, Cayenne, origin robably the Approugue River Basin, 2
Jun 1980, fl, G. Cremers 6324 (CAY-2); idem, 23 Apr 1981, fl, G. Cremers 7156 (CAY, US); idem, 6 Apr 1984, fl, C. Feuillet 1366 (CAY);
Mataroni River, 52°10.931W, 4°13.306N, 5 May 2001, fl, S.A. Mori et al. 25297 (CAY, NY, US); Rignon’s farm, road to Cacao, 1 km from road
Cayenne - Regina (RN 2), 52°25'W, 4°33'N, 28 Jul 2005, fl, M.-F. Prévost 4878 (CAY, US); Road Le Gallion - Tonate, near Montsinery bridge,
11 Oct 1970, sterile, W. Benson s.n. (CAY); Route de St.-Elie, near Sinnamary, 19 Mar 2009, sterile, R.J.R. Vanderplank, C. Feuillet & M.
Vecchia 1619/09 (CAY, K, NCP); Saut Coumarou, 30 m, 52°54'W, 4°42'N, 27 Oct 1992, fl, B. Bordenave 402 (CAY-2, P); Savane Renner, 18
Apr 1996, fl, G. Cremers & J.-J. de Granville 14457 (CAY).—UK: Cultivated in the UK, British National Collection of Passiflora, plants origin in
French Guiana near Tonnegrande in 1999, Feb 2008, fl., R.J.R. Vanderplank 1395/08 (NCP) & 1521/08 (NCP).
In section Capreolatae, among the lianas with the foliar nectaries in adaxial position at the apex of the petiole,
P. jussieui can be identified as follows:
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Killip (1938)
323. Tr. & Planch. Ann. Sci. Nat. V. Bot. 17: 182. 1873.
Tree, glabrous throughout, except the ovary; petioles up to 3 cm. long; leaves oblong-ovate, 10 to 15
cm. long, 5 to 10 cm. wide (or up to 25 cm. long, 15 cm. wide), subacute or slightly emarginate at apex,
rounded, often slightly oblique at base, prominently penninerved (midnerve biglandular on under surface at
base), membranous, glaucescent beneath; peduncles up to 4 cm. long, slender, once dichotomous, the
undivided portion and the branches subequal; flowers white; calyx tube broadly campanulate, 1 to 1.2 cm.
long, 0,8 to 1 cm. wide at throat; sepals lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate; 2.5 to 3 cm. long, 0.8 to 1 cm. wide,
obtuse; petals 2 to 2.5 cm long; corona filaments in 3 or 4 series, the outermost linear-spatulate or slightly
dolabriform, about 1.3cm. long, those of the inner 2 or 3 series broadly linear, 2 mm. long; operculum
filamentose nearly to base; ovary sericeo-tomentose; fruit broadly ovoid, 4 cm. long, 2.5 cm. wide glabrous,
yellow, red maculate.
This, the only Venezuelan species of Euastrophea, is distinguished from its nearest Colombian relative,
P. ocanensis, by a more deeply cut operculum, smaller, slender peduncles.
Tree: glabrous except ovary, 3–18 m high, without tendrils; stem: terete, woody, up to 25 cm diam. at very
base; stipules: minute, soon deciduous; petioles: stout, 2–3 cm long without glands; leaves: unlobed, oblong-
ovate, 10–25 x 5–15 cm, subacute or slightly emarginate at apex, midnerve biglandular at base; peduncles: up
to 4 cm long, 1- to 2-, rarely 3-bifurcate; bracts: minute; floral tube: broadly campanulate, 1–1.2 x 0.8–1 cm;
flowers: white, 5–6 cm diam., inflorescence 2- to 6-flowered; sepals: greenish white, lanceolate, 2.5–3 x 0.8–1
cm; petals: white, 2–2.5 x 0.8 cm; corona: ca. 3 series, yellow, outer series ca 1.3 cm long, upper ⅓ dilated,
filaments of inner series broadly linear, 0.2 cm long; ovary: tomentose; fruit: ovoid, 3–6 x 2.5–3 cm, yellow,
sometimes red-splotched; seeds: ca. 0.5 x 0.4 cm, reticulate.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Killip (1938)
Tree, 3 to 4 meters high, without tendrils; petioles up to 3.5 cm. long; leaves ovate-lanceolate or
oblong-ovate, 30 to 75 cm. long, 10 to 25 cm. wide, or larger, acuminate, rounded at base, glabrous, the midrib
biglandular at base; peduncles once or twice dichotomous, 8 to 10 cm. long including the branches; flowers
white without, yellow within (?); calyx tube cylindric, 1.2 to 1.8 cm. long, 4 to 5 mm. in diameter; sepals
oblong, 2 to 2.5 cm. long, 3 to 5 mm. wide, obtuse; petals oblong, subequal to the sepals; corona filaments in 2
series, the outer slender, liguliform, not dilated, slightly shorter than the petals, the inner falciform, flat, 1 to 3
mm. long; operculum arising near base of tube, membranous, erect, short-filamentose; gynophore slender, 3
cm. long; ovary ovoid, finely tomentulous.
Passiflora macrophylla apparently is separated from the other species of this immediate relationship by
the slender, liguliform threats of outer corona. The leaves attain a greater size than in any other species of this
group.
Tree: 1–6 m high, glabrous except the ovary, without tendrils; stem: terete, woody; stipules: setaceous,
normally soon deciduous; petioles: stout, 3.5–7 cm long, glandless; leaves: unlobed, oblong or oblong-ovate,
23–95 x 10–38 cm, acute to acuminate at apex, obtuse to slightly cordate at base, midnerve biglandular at
base, entire; peduncles: 1- to 3-bifurcate, inflorescence: 8–25 cm long; bracts: minute; floral tube: cylindrical,
1.6–2.2 cm long, ca. 0.5 cm diam.; flowers: white, 6–7 cm diam., inflorescence 2- to 12-flowered; sepals: white
inside, greenish white outside, oblong-lanceolate 3.5–4 x 0.6–1 cm; petals: white, 3.3–3.9 x 0.6–1 cm, white;
corona: 2–3 series, outer series 1.6–2.2 cm long, filiform and white at base, upper ⅓ dilated, triangular to
falcate, yellow, inner series 0.1–0.3 cm long; ovary: narrowly ovoid, glabrescent; fruit: globose, 3.1–4 x 2–4 cm,
glabrous; seeds: obovate, 0.4–0.5 x 0.2–0.3 cm, reticulate.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Killip (1938)
Small tree or shrub, with weak tendrils sometimes present at the end of the branches; branches
angulate, striate, minutely puberlent or glabrescent; stipules linear-subulate, 2 to 3 mm. long; petioles strongly
grooved, puberlent, 1 to 1.5 cm. long, bearing at the apex 2 inconspicuous, flattened glands; leaves oblong to
ovate, 8 to 10 cm. long, 4 to 6 cm. wide, entire, abruptly acuminate at apex, cuneate at base, penninerved
(lateral nerves 6 to 7 to a side), glabrous, subcoriaceous; peduncles solitary, once or twice bifurcate, the
pedicels articulate above middle; bract setaceous, 1.5 to 2 mm. long; flowers 5.5 to 6 cm. wide; calyx tube
cylindric-campanulate, 8 to 10 mm. long, 6 to 7mm. in diameter at throat; sepals oblong, 3.5 to 4 cm. long,
about 8 mm. wide, obtuse, slightly fleshy; petals linear-oblong, 2.5 cm. long, about 7mm. wide, thinner than
the sepals; corona filaments in 5 series, the outermost subdolabriform, 1.5 cm. long, dilated near the apex to a
width of 2 mm. tapering gradually to base, those of the second series spatulate, 5 mm. long, 1mm. wide, those
of succeeding series gradually shorter, filiform; operculum membranous, arising just below the throat of the
tube, erect, about 6 mm. high, partially exserted, minutely denticulate; ovary oblong, densely ferruginous-
tomentose.
This is the only species of Astrophea found of South America. It, with the last preceding species, differs
from other members of Astrophea in having a long-tubular operculum, which is borne near the throat of the
calyx tube and partially exserted beyond the throat.
Vine: glabrescent, tendrils well-developed or occasionally absent; stem: terete; stipules: linear-subulate, 0.1–
0.4 cm, soon deciduous; petioles: 1–2.5 cm long, grooved, 2 glands at apex; leaves: unlobed, oblong to oblong-
ovate, 8–32 x 4–14 cm, acuminate at apex, obtuse to rounded at base, subcoriaceous, entire; peduncles:
solitary or in pairs, normally 1- to 2-bifurcte; bracts: 0.1–0.2 mm long, deciduous; floral tube: cylindrical-
campanulate, 0.8–1 cm long, 0.6–0.7 cm diam. at throat; flowers: white, 5–8 cm diam.; sepals: white, oblong,
2.5–4 x 0.7–0.9 cm; petals: white, subequal to or shorter than the sepals; corona: (3–)4–5 series, filaments of
outer series 1.3–2.3 cm long, yellow to yellow-orange, sometimes with red mottling, dilated near apex,
tapering gradually to base, filaments of inner series 0.1–0.5 cm long, yellow to orange or red; ovary densely
tomentose; fruit: narrowly ovoid to ellipsoid, 6–8(–9) x 3–4 cm, greenish to yellow; seeds: large, 0.7–0.9 x 0.6–
0.8 cm, reticulate.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Name of species:
1. Propagation
A) Generative propagation
i) Source of material (please specify whether retrieved from own plants/natural source/or
other plant breeders):
ii) Time of sowing:
iii) Seed treatment prior sowing:
iv) Sowing medium (please specify composition):
v) Sowing environment (if applicable please specify range of humidity, temperature, light
levels, eventual shading, etc.):
vi) Aftercare environment (please specify as in v).):
vii) Pricking out timing:
B) Vegetative propagation
i) Cuttings
Time of propagation:
Material used (please specify as appropriate: apical, nodal, internodal,
hardwood, semi-ripe, etc) + specify size of material (e.g. 3 nodes):
Rooting hormones: Yes/No (delete as applicable), if yes please specify
type of hormone used:
Cutting medium (please specify mixture):
Propagation environment (humidity, temperature, light levels, etc.):
Time to rooting:
Aftercare:
ii) Other methods
e.g. Layering, air-layering, root cuttings, grafting incl. used rootstock material (please
specify each method used as accurate as possible):
2. General cultivation
i) Growing medium (please specify if grown in containers or planted out):
ii) Temperature (min., max.):
iii) Humidity:
iv) Water regime:
v) Light exposure:
vi) Pest & Diseases:
vii) Specific horticultural requirements:
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
viii) Any other special observation made (e.g. particular timing of sudden leaf drop, flower
production)
Thank you very much your time taken to complete this form! Yours gratefully Rebecca Hilgenhof
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Appendix 12 Surveyed gardens and private collections from which completed questionnaires were obtained, listing the species regarding.
Table 8: Surveyed gardens and private collections from which completed questionnaires were
obtained, listing the species regarding.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1. Propagation
i) Source of material (please specify whether retrieved from own plants/natural source/or
other plant breeders):
A) Generative propagation
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Private Collection -
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora -
v) Sowing environment (if applicable please specify range of humidity, temperature, light levels,
eventual shading, etc.):
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Royal Botanic -
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection -
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora -
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
B) Vegetative propagation
i) Cuttings
Time of propagation:
Royal Botanic Tried just once, at the end of Summer, with great success
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection End of July
McPhail
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora Compared to the other Astrophea, P. citrifolia is the species I had the best
results with.
Material used (please specify as appropriate: apical, nodal, internodal, hardwood, semi-ripe, etc) +
specify size of material (e.g. 3 nodes):
Royal Botanic Apical and intermodal cuttings, the leaves weren’t reduced due to their
Gardens, Kew coriaceous (leathery) appearance and the cuttings did not wilt
Rooting hormones: Yes/No (delete as applicable), if yes please specify type of hormone used:
Royal Botanic Misting unit at a minimum temperature of 20C (Generally 20 to 30), misting
Gardens, Kew by ‘ultrasonic fogging) and bottom heat of 24C)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Butterfly World Misting unit, mist nozzle comes on every 5 min for 20sec (90-95%), 35°C
Time to rooting:
Royal Botanic so far only tried in August, likely to work any time of the year
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection 3 weeks
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora About 3 weeks
Aftercare:
Royal Botanic once rooted, potting in the standard medium (Kew’s number 3) and then
Gardens, Kew placed back into the misting unit, far away from nozzle until new flush
growth develops and hardens off, however further tests had to be carried to
determine the necessity for this
Private Collection -
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora Re-potting in single small pots in soil with perlite to improve the drainage
2) General cultivation
i) Growing medium (please specify if grown in containers or planted out):
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Private Collection Lava stone, Coco fibre, Potting compost, Osmocote, Red clay (I’m not sure
McPhail the precise % of each as I made a rough mixture and change this per species)
Collezione di Passiflora VigorPlant Five Stars General Purpose Mix: White peat moss, OTB Irish peat,
black peat, clay, pumice. Fertilized by means of quick and slow-release
nutritional elements.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Royal Botanic minimum of 19C with vents open a 25C, occasional peaks of 30C, rarely
Gardens, Kew higher
iii) Humidity:
Royal Botanic in mist unit, above 80% and up to 100%, in glasshouse around 70%
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection 80%
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora Between 35% and 90%, variable
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
v) Light exposure:
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora The little pots are kept in the glasshouse also during summer.
Royal Botanic so far pest free (likely to change once is cultivated for longer)
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection No pest yet seen
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora This species last longer in my environment, comparing to the other Guyana
ones and it`s easier to cultivate. Maybe it is more adaptable. I managed to
keep it for 2 years. Parasites: RSM gen. Tetranychus, mealy bug gen.
Pseudococcidae and gen. Saissetia. Sometimes Nematodes gen. Meloidogyne
Royal Botanic Seems to enjoy tropical conditions, but I haven’t grown this species for more
Gardens, Kew than two months so difficult to comment on this
Private Collection Lots of love and attention for these French Guyane Tressure!
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora I think this species needs a well drained soil, semi shade and regular feeding.
I normally use treated water (RO) because mine is too high in calcium. In
Guyana, in fact, rains a lot and the water is acid.
viii) Any other special observation made (e.g. particular timing of sudden leaf drop, flower
production):
Royal Botanic the larger the cutting, the faster the establishes
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection Plant is still young to make any
McPhail
Collezione di Passiflora My plant has never flowered.
Royal Botanic -
Gardens, Kew
Private Collection From word of mouth I have heard this is the easiest Astrophea to bring to
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
McPhail flower
Collezione di Passiflora -
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1. Propagation
i) Source of material (please specify whether retrieved from own plants/natural source/or
other plant breeders):
Royal Botanic Gardens, Donated by John Vanderplank and Miguell Mollinari. Garden grown plant
Kew from tree raised from wild source
Grassy Knoll Exotic Seed from a collector that brought it from Venezuela. Cuttings are from my
Plants collection of seed-grown plants
Collezione di Passiflora Seeds bougth on internet and from friends in South America. I also got
plants from friends and collectors.
A) Generative propagation
The National Many times over may year at ay time of the year
Collection of Passiflora
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora Soaking seeds in warm water for 24-36 hs changing the water twice or three
times before sowing the seeds
Royal Botanic pot half filled with Kew’s number three, then a large layer of coir + perlite
Gardens, Kew (70% Coir, 30% perlite, then place the seeds, which are covered by half a cm
of same coir and perlite mix)
Collezione di Passiflora VigorPlant Comfort Line Seeding and Planting-Out Substrate: fine structure,
White peatmoss, ultra-fine Irish peat. Water-soluble balanced fertilizers, rich
in micronutrients
I sterilize it with steam before sowing. I use 6cm diameter plastic pots sowing
up to 10 seeds per pot.
v) Sowing environment (if applicable please specify range of humidity, temperature, light levels,
eventual shading, etc.):
Royal Botanic Enclosed (high humidity) environment to avoid dessication of the top layer.
Gardens, Kew Temperature in the range of 20 to 30C
Grassy Knoll Exotic I sprout them in pots wrapped in plastic wrap and put on a propagation heat
Plants mat. in the greenhouse. The exposure is full sun, but I live in the Pacific
Northwest where it rains a lot, so the sun is not very intense.
Collezione di Passiflora I sown them directly in a little greenhouse with heated bottom. It is self
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic Enclosed (high humidity) environment to avoid dessication of the top layer.
Gardens, Kew Temperature in the range of 20 to 30C
Grassy Knoll Exotic I pot the seedlings up in 4” pots in standard potting mix ( ⅓ peat, ⅓
Plants pummice, ⅓ bark) and topdress with a slow release fertilizer with minors.
Collezione di Passiflora The seedlings stay in the little glasshouse until the first couple of leaves.
They are kept in the same sowing environmental conditions. After a while, I
start feeding them with a common feed (N, P, K) but half of the normal
concentration.
Royal Botanic When most of the plantlets have two to thre true leaves and they are large
Gardens, Kew enough to handle
Grassy Knoll Exotic I usually try to get them potted up when the 1st true leaves (2nd at the
Plants
latest) appear.
Flora and Botanical waren das 3 oder 4 Wochen nach der Keimung?
Garden
Blumen & Passiflora ca. 12 Wochen nach der Aussaat pikieren und vereinzeln im ca. 6-Blatt-
Stadium, Höhe ca. 8 cm
Collezione di Passiflora The seedlings stay in the little glasshouse until the first couple of leaves.
They are kept in the same sowing environmental conditions. After a while, I
start feeding them with a common feed (N, P, K) but half of the normal
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
concentration.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
B) Vegetative propagation
i) Cuttings
Time of propagation:
Royal Botanic Species is very difficult from cuttings, but student Rebecca Hilgenhof has
Gardens, Kew succeeded (as well as John Vanderplank). Probably best done in the fall or
late winter to avoid high temperatures
Grassy Knoll Exotic spring and fall seem to work best because P. lindeniana doesn’t like the heat
Plants
of summer and the cuttings never seem to survive in the summer.
Flora and Botanical
Garden
Blumen & Passiflora bislang nur mit 4 Stecklingen bei P. lindeniana versucht, leider erfolglos,
Zeitpunkt Mai nach den Neuaustrieb
Collezione di Passiflora I have never managed to make P. lindeniana cuttings rooting.
The National During equinox periods
Collection of Passiflora
Material used (please specify as appropriate: apical, nodal, internodal, hardwood, semi-ripe, etc) +
specify size of material (e.g. 3 nodes):
Rooting hormones: Yes/No (delete as applicable), if yes please specify type of hormone used:
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora Yes, 1H-Indole-3-butanoic acid, IBA. Based on my experience, this hormone
works better than 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)
Blumen & Passiflora Fruhstorfer Aussaaterde: 65% Hochmoortorf wenig bis mäßig zersetzt, 20%
Perlite, 15% Vulkanton Nährstoffe verfügbar: 60 mg/l N - Stickstoff (CaCl2),
50 mg/l P2O2 - Phosphor 90 mg/l K2O - Kaliumoxid (Cal), pH-Wert (CaCl2): 5,5,
Salzgehalt: 1,0 KCl/l
Royal Botanic Misting unit at a minimum temperature of 20C (Generally 20 to 30), misting
Gardens, Kew by ‘ultrasonic fogging) natural light levels with supplementary light in the
winter and bottom heat of 24C)
Contact Rebecca Hilgenhof or John Vanderplank
Grassy Knoll Exotic I don’t use bottom heat since this seems to cause the cuttings to fail faster. I
Plants
usually keep them very humid with plastic over the pots.
Blumen & Passiflora Im Anzuchtgewächshaus bei einer Bodentemperatur von 24°C und
entsprechender Luftfeuchtigkeit (Wert wird nicht ermittelt), automatisches
- 87 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora Temp: 20-28 °, Humidity: 70-90%, 12hs of light per day
Time to rooting:
Royal Botanic since it like cool temperatures suspected to be late winter or autum
Gardens, Kew
Grassy Knoll Exotic 2-3 months (if I’m lucky enough for them to root)
Plants
Blumen & Passiflora erfolglos, nach 1 Woche Blattfall, nach spätestens 4 Wochen Entfernen des
vergammelten Stecklings
Aftercare:
Royal Botanic -
Gardens, Kew
Grassy Knoll Exotic pot them up in standard potting mix and keep cool.
Plants
Collezione di Passiflora Repotting in single small pots in soil with perlite to improve the drainage
Royal Botanic once only tried, it did not root while in the plant but it produced a large
Gardens, Kew amount of callusing, once separated from the plant, and treated as a cutting
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
it rooted successfully.
Grafting: a chip bud was successfully grafted on to a P. macrophylla
rootstock, since this rootstock is easier to propagate by cuttings, and that
specie is more heat tolerant than P. lindeniana
Grassy Knoll Exotic I haven’t tried any of the other methods, but I would like to try air-layering.
Plants
Collezione di Passiflora No
2. General cultivation
Royal Botanic Grown in containers using Kew’s standard mix number 3, some loam based
Gardens, Kew compost were also tested with equal success
Grassy Knoll Exotic All of my plants are in containers. I grow in a mix of ⅓ peat, ⅓ pummice, and
Plants
⅓ bark
Flora and Botanical Container with vorwiegend mineralisches Substrat: 1 Teil Landerde/Lehmiger
Garden
Sand, 1T. grober (1-2cm) Bims, 1 T. Cocopor(langfaseriges Cocossubstrat -
“Cocohum“ im BG Köln...), geringe Zugabe von Mannasan, Radigen, Fetrilon
und Kohlensaurem Kalk,
Blumen & Passiflora Kultur im 22 cm Topf P. lindeniana Substrat: Mischung aus 50% Einheitserde
Typ ED 73, 25% Perlite und 25% Kakteenerde
Collezione di Passiflora VigorPlant Five start General Purpose Mix: White peatmoss, OTB Irish peat,
black peat, clay,pumice. Fertilized by means of quick and slow-release
nutritional elements.
Royal Botanic temperate glasshouse. Min of 9C, maximum dictated by outdoor weather. It
Gardens, Kew
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Grassy Knoll Exotic min: 35 degrees F, max: 95 degrees F (doesn’t like the higher temps at all,
Plants
but no problem with the lower temps. I had 3 large plants in 5 gallon pots a
couple of years ago and my greenhouse froze down to about 12 degrees f.
All plants seemed to have died, but one sprouted up from the roots to my
delight! The other two remained dead.
Blumen & Passiflora min. 10°C, max. 42°C, ideal um die 25°C bei nächtlicher Abkühlung auf 15°C
iii) Humidity:
Royal Botanic not misting is used in the temperate zones, however it leaves in high
Gardens, Kew humidity (yet cool) areas
Grassy Knoll Exotic humid greenhouse conditions varying from 100% to 70%
Plants
Flora and Botanical Watering only to avoid excessive drying, once in a month watering to ???
Garden
Gießwasser: Regenwasser/enthärtetes Leitungswasser, alle 2 Monate
Leitungswasser, 1x/Monat gründliches Durchspülen des Ballens
Blumen & Passiflora mäßig, da wenig Wachstum, aufgrund des Blattverlustes im Laufe des
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Collezione di Passiflora In summer I water the plants manually, checking that the soil is drying
out.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
v) Light exposure:
Royal Botanic Shaded from direct sun when young, it does seem to take with no problem
Gardens, Kew
full sun, which apparently is required to get them to flower.
Grassy Knoll Exotic Full sun in the winter and 50% shade cloth in the summer
Plants
Flora and Botanical Full sun: in Winter(Oct. – March), Summer till 10/11am and after 16pm;
Garden
schattiert mittags/nachmittags von Ende März bis Oktober
Collezione di Passiflora When they the pots are outside, they are south-east exposed under a
semi-shading sheet.
Royal Botanic spider mite, mealy bug. Thrips likely to like it yet never seen (yet)
Gardens, Kew
Grassy Knoll Exotic Mealy bug and spider mites are always a problem. I use a systemic called
Plants
marathon for the mealy bug and predator mites for the spider mites (which
work wonderfully). I have had trouble in the past with leaf rollers eating the
tender new leaves.
Flora and Botanical Spider Mites – treatment with Amblyseius barkeri, Mealy Bugs – Confidor
Garden
(Imidacloprid)
Collezione di Passiflora This species is not very long-lived in my cultivation and I don`t think is an
easy one to cultivate in general, either.
Probably my cultivation conditions are too different from the origin coutry.
Parasites: RSM gen. Tetranychus, mealybug gen. Pseudococcidae and
gen. Saissetia. Sometimes Nematodes gen. Meloidogyne
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic Likes cool temperatures so avoid constant heat, if summer, bring outdoors to
Gardens, Kew a cool shaded location,
Blumen & Passiflora Von Mai bis August wöchentliche Düngung mit Hakaphos blau, 2 g/l, ab Ende
August Hakaphos rot, ab Oktober allmähliche Reduktion der Düngung
Collezione di Passiflora I think it needs well drained soil, partial shade and regular feeds. I normally
use treated RO water because mine is too high in Calcium and in Guyana it
rains a lot and the water is acid.
viii) Any other special observation made (e.g. particular timing of sudden leaf drop, flower
production):
Royal Botanic Only plant to ever flower during my stay at kew it was in a plant that was hit
Gardens, Kew by sun. Accordingly to Miguel Molinari, how lives near the native
populations, only when the young plants raise above the scrub canopy they
will bloom
Grassy Knoll Exotic My trees are in 15 gallon tree pots right now, and I haven’t had any flowers.
Plants Like most Astropheas, they send out growth in flushes and tend to drop all
of the leaves from the previous flush. Sometimes older leaves will hang
around for a little while. My trees also seem to defoliate in the winter
(probably in response to the shorter day lengths)
Flora and Botanical Leaf drop 2-3 times/year by low humidity levels, new growth 3-6 weeks later,
Garden at any time with flower buds
Blumen & Passiflora Bei P. lindeniana setzt der Blattfall im März/April ein. Aktuell (01.02.2012)
hat P. lindeniana ca. noch alle Blätter. Leider noch keine Blüte.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Leaf scorch after pesticide sprays (SB Invigorator, Dynamec, Decis, Calypso)
damage only on the new soft leaves not on mature foliage, scorching can be
seen very next day after the spray (pers. Comm.. Beattie & Magdalena)
Hat nachweislich im Juni 2009, Juli 2009, Januar 2010, Juni 2010, Februar
2011, August 2011 geblüht.
Collezione di Passiflora -
The National Soil temperature may be more important than air temperature during winter
Collection of Passiflora Day length may also be important to winter survival, 12 h day length should
be given
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1. Propagation
A) Generative propagation
i) Source of material (please specify whether retrieved from own plants/natural source/or
other plant breeders):
Collezione di Passiflora Seeds, bought them online and from South American Correspondents
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio seeds from local native plants
Guaycuyacu
Passifloratuin 2009
Passifloratuin ???
Collezione di Passiflora Seeds soaked in warm water for 24-36 hs, changing the water 2-3 times to
get rid of possible inhibiting hormones
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio none
Guaycuyacu
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora MAINLY DARK PEAT, LIGHT PEAT AND VOLCANIC SAND OR PUMICE
The soil is sterilized with steam (100°C) for about an hour or in a microwave
for 15 mins, after have misted it.
I use 6cm diameter plastic pots sowing up to 10 seeds per pot.
v) Sowing environment (if applicable please specify range of humidity, temperature, light levels,
eventual shading, etc.):
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora The sowing environment is a “Double shelves” grow box, made with
reflecting material on the walls. It has got 2 Sylvania Grolux 18 watt lamps
per shelf, with a 12 off/12 on timer.
The daily temperature is 28-31°C, humidity 40-60%. Night temperature
between 18-20 °C and night huidity 90 – 95%.
Frequent watering and misting keep the soil moist and I treat it with
fungicides if needed.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio shaded nursery
Guaycuyacu
- 95 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Singapore BG Nil
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora Seedlings stay in the Grow Box until they reach 10-12 cm in height (30-60
days after germination). They are kept in the same sowing environmental
conditions. Thanks to ideal temperatures and light they grow very well. After
a while, I start feeding them with a common feed (N, P, K) but half of the
normal concentration.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio shaded nursery
Guaycuyacu
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora The seedlings are transferred in single pots in “terriccio tipo H della Ditta
Fertil” (SOIL WITH AN HIGH CONTENT OF DARK PEAT WITH HUMUS. THIS
SOIL IS GOOD FOR FAST CYCLE SPECIES THAT REQUIRED EASILY AVAILABLE
WATER). They go in the glasshouse in a bench with Sylvania Grolux 35 watt
lamps with a 12 off/12 on timer.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio -
Guaycuyacu
B) Vegetative propagation
i) Cuttings
Time of propagation:
Royal Botanic Any time as long as stem is semi-ripe and leaves are present (we haven’t
Gardens, Kew tried other way tough)
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora I have never had successful rooting for these 3 species.
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Material used (please specify as appropriate: apical, nodal, internodal, hardwood, semi-ripe, etc) +
specify size of material (e.g. 3 nodes):
Royal Botanic Apical and intermodal cuttings at least two to three nodes, leaves reduced
Gardens, Kew greatly in size and just one or two leaves left
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
Rooting hormones: Yes/No (delete as applicable), if yes please specify type of hormone used:
Royal Botanic Tried both, it roots either way but like other Passifloras, hormones lead to
Gardens, Kew faster and more roots being produced; Synergicol
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
- 97 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic Misting unit at a minimum temperate of 20ºC (Generally 20 to 30ºC), misting
Gardens, Kew by ‘ultrasonic fogging) natural light levels with supplementary light in the
winter and bottom heat of 24ºC)
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
Time to rooting:
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
Aftercare:
Royal Botanic once rooted, potting in the standard medium (Kew’s number 3) and then
Gardens, Kew placed back into the misting unit, far away from nozzle, until new flush
growth develops and hardens off
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
- 98 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic No tried as cuttings have a high rate of success. Used as rootstock
Gardens, Kew (successfully, for Passiflora lindeniana)
Singapore BG N/A
Passifloratuin Right now I try or succeed in rooting some cuttings. Later, I'll let
you know the result
Collezione di Passiflora -
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio -
Guaycuyacu
2. General cultivation
i) Growing medium (please specify if grown in containers or planted out):
Collezione di Passiflora (Clay based soil with pumice good for species that required a lot of food. ) I
use this type of soil because is well drained and the fertilizer is already inside
it. I cultivate my Astrophea just in pots because it is too cold in winter. I take
the pots outside in summer in a shady place (30%), during winter, they stay
inside the glasshouse with a daily temperature around 20 °C and around 15
°C at night. These temperatures change according to the glasshouse effect
during sunny days and the outside temperatures.
The National Will tolerate slightly lime conditions pH 7.5 but pH of 6.0-6.5 is better
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio planted out
Guaycuyacu
Royal Botanic minimum of 19C with vents open a 25C, occasional peaks of 30C, rarely
Gardens, Kew higher
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio 18-30°C
Guaycuyacu
iii) Humidity:
Royal Botanic in mist unit, above 80%, in glasshouse (not as successful) around 70%
Gardens, Kew
Singapore BG 80%
Passifloratuin not wet and not dry, more water than usual in Passiflora
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio always high
Guaycuyacu
Passifloratuin the water that I always give a pH of 6.2 during the growth periods each
week I give 1 EC power in the ratio 2+4+ 9 N + P + K + trace elements
Collezione di Passiflora In summer I manually water the plants if needed, just when the soil is drying
out. Once inside the glasshouse, the plants are watered every 3 days, more
or less.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio natural
Guaycuyacu
v) Light exposure:
Passifloratuin minimum of 14 hours of light per 24 hours. I give extra light with LED lighting
Collezione di Passiflora When the pots are outside they are on a south-east position in a 30% shady
place (under a sheet)
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Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic spider mite, mealy bug. Trips likely to like it yet never seen (yet)
Gardens, Kew
Singapore BG minimal
Collezione di Passiflora These 3 species are not very long-lived in my cultivation. P. macrophylla and
P. Arborea, particularly, have got a discontinuous growth with a period of
leaves production and one of leaves loss.
Generally, all the Astrophea are quite difficult to cultivate and not very long-
lived.
Royal Botanic It seems to enjoy enclosed environments such as misting tens and cases.
Gardens, Kew Believed to need vey high atmospheric humidity, presumably to support the
rapid flush growth,
Singapore BG Nil
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora personally think they need well drained soil, partially shade and regular feed.
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio -
Guaycuyacu
viii) Any other special observation made (e.g. particular timing of sudden leaf drop, flower
production):
Royal Botanic Suspected reason for abortion of new growth: sudden drop on humidity
Gardens, Kew levels. Plant does occasionally lose all the leaves before re-sprouting again.
When flower buds develop, the petioles bend hiding the flowers buds giving
the plant a wilted look. The day the flowers open the petioles go up making
all the leaves to stand up much higher (and making the flowers more visible
- 101 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
to pollinators
Singapore BG N/A
Collezione di Passiflora P. macrophylla, in particularly, interchanges during the year, vegetative and
dormancy periods with a complete leaves loss. It flowers very rarely. I have
never seen any blooming in other species of subg. Astrophea.
Royal Botanic As aid, it seems to require warm temperatures and very high humidity levels
Gardens, Kew
Singapore BG -
Passifloratuin -
Collezione di Passiflora -
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
Reserva Rio -
Guaycuyacu
- 102 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
1. Propagation
i) Source of material (please specify whether retrieved from own plants/natural source/or
other plant breeders):
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
A) Generative propagation
ii) Time of sowing:
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
- 103 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
v) Sowing environment (if applicable please specify range of humidity, temperature, light levels,
eventual shading, etc.):
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
- 104 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Fairchild TBG -
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
B) Vegetative propagation
i) Cuttings
Time of propagation:
Royal Botanic Any time as long as stem is semiripe and leaves are present (we haven’t tried
Gardens, Kew other way tough)
Grassy Knoll Exotic When a good healthy flush of growth has ripened a little, but not hardened
Plants
The Principal BG of N.V. We took a cut if pittieri just in August
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG ?
Material used (please specify as appropriate: apical, nodal, internodal, hardwood, semi-ripe, etc) +
specify size of material (e.g. 3 nodes):
Royal Botanic Apical and intermodal cuttings at least two to three nodes, leaves reduced by
Gardens, Kew about 50% in size and just one or two leaves left
Grassy Knoll Exotic apical and nodal cuttings of about 3-5 nodes. Semi-ripened wood seems to
Plants work best and it’s best if it’s from a fairly recent flush of growth
The Principal BG of N.V. It does roots easy from apical, nodal parts of stems. I have never use
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
hardwood material because our single pittieri is too small. All new roots form
near place of cut.
For cutting it is possible to use cut with 1-3 leafs. As I observed It works good
for Capreolata species (citrifolia, plumosa, pittieri); cuttings with some leafs
have more ability to rhizogenous then those having single or part of leaf.
Rooting hormones: Yes/No (delete as applicable), if yes please specify type of hormone used:
Royal Botanic Tried both, it roots either way but like other Passifloras, hormones lead to
Gardens, Kew faster and more roots being produced; Synergicol
Grassy Knoll Exotic liquid rooting hormone dip n grow diluted 1 part hormone to 15 parts water
Plants
- 105 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Royal Botanic Misting unit at a minimum temperature of 20C (Generally 20 to 30), misting
Gardens, Kew by ‘ultrasonic fogging) natural light levels with supplementary light in the
winter and bottom heat of 24C)
Grassy Knoll Exotic High humidity ( I usually drape some plastic over the entire bench) and
Plants warm temps are essential. I use a propagation mat at 85 degrees F . Light
levels are high, but inside the greenhouse.
The Principal BG of N.V. humidity 80-90%, temperature 23C for night and 28C day in July.
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG ?
Time to rooting:
- 106 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Aftercare:
Royal Botanic once rooted, potting in the standard medium (Kew’s number 3) and then
Gardens, Kew placed back into the misting unit, far away from nozzle until new flush
growth develops and hardens off
Grassy Knoll Exotic The cuttings don’t seem to have a problem rooting provided that good,
Plants healthy cutting material is used, but there is always a huge delay after the
rooted cutting have been potted up before a new shoot is produced. I’ve
had them send up shoots right away, and other times wait over a year! I’m
not sure what determines the delay, but it might have to do with the stage of
growth that the original cutting material was in.
The Principal BG of N.V. air humidity 75%. Without through sunlight.
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG ?
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
2. General cultivation
Royal Botanic Grown in containers using Kew’s standard mix number 3, loam based
Gardens, Kew compost was also used with good results
Grassy Knoll Exotic all are in containers. I use a mix of ⅓ peat, ⅓ pummice, ⅓ bark and have
Plants started mixing in some extra pummice recently.
The Principal BG of N.V. At present I use valley peat, coarse-grained sand, high-moor peat, fir waste,
- 107 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National Will tolerate slightly lime conditions pH 7.5 but pH of 6.0-6.5 is better
Collection of Passiflora
Royal Botanic minimum of 19C with vents open a 25C, occasional peaks of 30C, rarely
Gardens, Kew higher
Grassy Knoll Exotic min: 45 degrees F (7.2°C), Max 110 degrees F (43°C)
Plants
The Principal BG of N.V. 18/23 °C
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG Zone 10B +1.7 °C (35 °F) +4.4 °C (40 °F)
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
i) Humidity:
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
- 108 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Light exposure, lx
Royal Botanic spider mite, mealy bug. Trips likely to like it yet never seen (yet)
Gardens, Kew
Grassy Knoll Exotic Mealybug and spider mites are always a problem. I use a systemic called
Plants marathon for the mealybug and predator mites for the spider mites (which
work wonderfully).
The Principal BG of N.V. No
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG ?
Royal Botanic It seemed to enjoy enclosed environments such as misting tens and cases.
Gardens, Kew Believed to need vey high atmospheric humidity to support the rapid flush
growth,
Fairchild TBG ?
- 109 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Appendices
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
vi) Any other special observation made (e.g. particular timing of sudden leaf drop, flower
production):
Royal Botanic the species spends large periods or resting with no growth yet leaves are
Gardens, Kew always retain. Tendrils thicken over the time , flowers were produced only
once at RBG we, so not very floriferous in this type of environment
Grassy Knoll Exotic definitely drops old leaves when a new flush of leaves comes out and begins
Plants to mature. It is less of a tree and more of a liana with vining tendrils on the
rapidly growing shoots.
The Principal BG of N.V. No
Tsitsina of the Russian
Academy of Sciences
Fairchild TBG ?
Royal Botanic Seems to be an easy grower once the cuttings are well established, more
Gardens, Kew work as to be done to establish what may trigger blooming (larger
specimens? More exposure to the light, drop in temperature). I’m aware this
is the only food source for the Heliconius sapho butterfly, a beautiful species
that will only lay eggs in this species of Passiflora, hence many butterfly
managers are keen on obtaining and cultivating this passiflora species.
Fairchild TBG ?
The National -
Collection of Passiflora
- 110 -
Passiflora subgenus Astrophea – Addendum
Curiosities amongst the passionflowers
Addendum
This Addendum modifies and supplements the information provided within the paper since
published. The changes to be made, concern the systematic subdivision of the genus Passiflora and
consequently its effects on the status subgenus Astrophea.
Based on the taxonomic revision of Krosnick, Ford and Freudenstein (2009) a new subgenus is added
to the four previously recognized by Feuillet & MacDougal (2003) in their A new Infrageneric
Classification of Passiflora. The added subgenus Tetrapathea includes three species (Passiflora
aurantioides, P. kuranda, and P. tetrandra), that can be distinguished by their dioecy.
This affects the subgenus Astrophea in consideration of its status wihtin the genus Passiflora as it is
now regarded as the third smallest of five subgenera found in Passiflora.
Source :
Krosnick S.E., Ford A.J. & Freudenstein J.V. 2009.Taxonomic Revision of Passiflora Subgenus
Tetrapathea Including the Monotypic Genera Hollrungia and Tetrapathea (Passifloraceae), and
a New Species of Passiflora. The American Society of Plant Taxonomists. Systematic Botany 34
(2): p. 375-385
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