Passiflora mixta

Passiflora mixta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Malpighiales
Family:	Passifloraceae
Genus:	Passiflora
Species:	P. mixta
Binomial name
Passiflora mixta L.f.

Passiflora mixta, from the family of Passifloraceae is also known as curuba, curuba de indio, curuba de monte, curubita, palta (Colombia),parcha (Venezuela), and tacso (Ecuador). Originally derived from the monophyletic Adeans Passiflora subgenus Tocsonia. Passiflora includes 47 species, one of which is Passiflora mixta which can be found in Southern America. A perennial vine the Passiflora mixta is pink to orange-red in color. ^[1]

Description

Passiflora mixta can be identified by large pink flowers, trilobate coricaeous leaves, that are tubular in shape that protrude from its branches. It has a hairy elongated bract and hypanthum that contain a narrow nector chamber. At 7-15 cm long Passiflora mixta has a hypanthium - otherwise known as the flower tube - with a base that contains nectar. Also found in P. mixta, are ovaries, anthers and stigmas. These reproductive organs are located anterier to the hypanthium near the androgynophore. This species is capable of producing fruits and flowers that remain open for 3 to 5 days by producing half pendent, horizantal, or erect flowers. Status Wild plant, collected, important genetica resource for banana passion fruit breeding. ^[2]

Morphology

1. Stem- Sub 5-angular
2. Leaf Pubescence- Not present on the upper surface,however, missing to seldom dense on the lower surface
3. Stipules- Moderate to big in size (6-20 mm in length, 12-30 mm wide), reniform, dentate or serrate, persistent
4. Peduncle- robust, length varies. Produces half-pendent, horizontal, or erect flowers.
5. Bracts- Joined 1/2 their length or beyond
6. Corolla Color- Pale pink to intense red
7. Corolla Shape- Corolla campanulate
8. Floral Tube/Sepal Ratio- 1.6-2.6
9. Nectary Chamber- Slightly broader than the floral tube
10. Fruits- At maturity, the pericarp often appears green, occasionally turning yellow; arils scarce and grey to orange in color,

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Germination

Passiflora mixta seeds take approximately 30-365 days to germinate and even under optimal conditions their growth may be erratic. The seeds should be implanted 6mm deep in a peaty seed sowing mix at about 20-30 degrees Celsius. new water should be used every day and it is necessary to soak them under warm water. This process will cause some seeds to swell up; these seeds should be sown instantly. On occasion it is also important to soak the container in which the seeds are placed. ^[4]

Pollination

This species of Passiflora is pollinated by the sword-billed humming bird, Ensifera ensifera, which is the only living species in the genus Ensifera. This bird is found throughout the northern Andes and is identified by its extremely large beak that is longer than the size of its entire body. They are pollinators of the passionflower, which contain nectar at the bottom of the long corolla tube that belongs to the P. mixta. ^[5]

Distribution

• Ranges from Venezuela to Bolivia
• Naturalized in Africa and New Zealand
• Restricted to the highland between 1700 and 3700m asl.
• Can withstand disturbances and is more prominent in dryer environment and lower altitudes compared to other species of subgenus Tocsonia
• Grows along the edges of forests and along the margins

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References