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Plant Informational Database

Bat-Leaved Passion Flower

Passiflora coriacea

A strange tropical vine with very distinct leaves in the shape of a bats' wings. It also has beautiful purple fruits that are mainly ornamental.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Bat-Leaved Passion Flower. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in April 2017.

Description

A fast-growing vine to several feet. Leaves are dark-green and have the shape of a bat wing, often with splotches of light green. White-yellow flowers with the typically ornate Passiflora appearance form when the weather is warm. Rounded purple fruits may follow and grow to a little under an inch.

Hardiness

There are conflicting reports of its hardiness. Some sources claim as low as 15F, but the vine is likely hardy to 25-30F. The confusion may result from 2-3 similar species being referred to as P. coricea. This has not yet been resolved.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun or part shade. Water regularly. Once established the vine can be very fast-growing.

Propagation

By seeds, which may take weeks to months to sprout. Seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours prior to planting. Also propagated by cuttings.

Germination Info

It is recommended to pretreat Passiflora seeds before planting. They contain a hard seed coat and are very slow to sprout. There are various pretreatment methods, but the simplest is to soak the seeds for 24-48 hours in warm to the touch water, just prior to planting. Optionally, seeds can be lightly scarified with sand paper to provide some permeation on the seed coat.

Once pretreated, plant seeds 1/2-1" deep in moist, sterile soil. Keep soil temperature consistent at 70-85F, with some day/variation in this range. Cool soils will significantly delay seed germination time if not inhibit germination altogether. Standard room temperature can be too cool for proper germination.

Estimated germination time under optimal conditions: 4 weeks to 6 months.

Uses

Mainly grown as an ornamental for its odd leaves and pretty fruits.

Native Range

Native to elevations above 2000m in Central and South America.

Additional Pictures

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Passifloraceae  
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