Giant granadilla Passiflora quadrangularis (F)

Names

• Family

  Passifloraceae

• Synonyms

  Giant Granadilla, Barbadine, Badea, Giant Tumbo, Grenadine, Giant Passion Fruit

• Common names

  Passiflora macrocarpa, Passiflora tetraden, Granadilla quadrangularis.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as giant granadilla, is not considered to be toxic to humans. In fact, the fruit of the giant granadilla is edible and often consumed. However, as with many plants, other parts of this plant, like the leaves and stems, are not typically consumed, and there can be a risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or other reactions in some individuals if these non-fruit parts of the plant are ingested in large amounts. To date, there is no widely recognized evidence of serious toxicity to humans from Passiflora quadrangularis.

• To pets

  Passiflora quadrangularis, known as giant granadilla, is not commonly listed among plants that are toxic to pets; however, it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended as food. Non-fruit parts of the plant, such as leaves and stems, may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested in significant quantities. There is no significant evidence of severe poisoning from this plant in pets, but as with any non-food item, consumption should be avoided to prevent possible complications.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Mixed

• Height

  15-20 feet (4.6-6 meters)

• Spread

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  10

• Native area

  South America

General Benefits

• Edible Fruit: The passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as Giant Granadilla, produces large, edible fruits that can be eaten fresh or used in juices, desserts, and other culinary preparations.
• Ornamental Plant: With its large, attractive flowers and vigorous vines, the Giant Granadilla serves as a beautiful ornamental plant, enhancing garden aesthetics.
• Pollinator Attraction: The showy flowers of the plant attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, benefiting the garden ecosystem.
• Shade Provider: The dense foliage of the Giant Granadilla vine can create shaded areas in gardens, offering a cool retreat during hot weather.
• Privacy Screen: Because of its fast-growing, dense vines, the Giant Granadilla can be used to create living privacy screens or to cover unsightly areas.
• Culinary Variety: The fruit brings a tropical flavor to a variety of dishes, expanding the diversity of a gastronomic palette with its unique taste.
• Cultural Significance: The Giant Granadilla holds cultural importance in various regions where it is grown, often used in traditional dishes and celebrations.
• Natural Fencing: The robust nature of the vine makes it suitable for use as a natural, living fence that can provide property boundaries in an eco-friendly way.
• Horticultural Interest: The plant's unique features, such as its square stems and large fruit, make it an object of interest for horticulturists and plant enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Habitat: The dense vines can serve as a habitat for various small wildlife species, encouraging biodiversity in a garden setting.

Medical Properties

• Anxiolytic effects: Passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as giant granadilla, has been used historically to help alleviate anxiety.
• Sedative properties: Traditional use suggests it may help in inducing sleep or calming the nervous system.
• Analgesic effects: Some people use extracts of this plant for its pain-relieving potential.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: There is historical use of Passiflora quadrangularis for reducing inflammation.
• Antispasmodic activity: Traditionally, it has been used to relieve muscle spasms and cramps.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as giant granadilla, has vines that can be used to create natural weavings or craft materials for items such as baskets and mats due to their length and flexibility.
• The large leaves of giant granadilla can serve as natural wraps for cooking, similar to banana leaves, and can infuse a subtle flavor into steamed dishes.
• The fruit pulp of giant granadilla can be used as a natural dye for textiles, offering shades of purple and magenta depending on the concentration and treatment of the fabric.
• Giant granadilla's smooth bark can be utilized in traditional craft-making for decorative purposes or as a natural paper in certain indigenous cultures.
• The sturdy tendrils of the plant can be fashioned into trellising for other plants in gardens, supporting the growth of climbing vegetables and flowers.
• The hollowed fruit shells of giant granadilla, once dried, can be used as containers for spices or small objects, or even crafted into musical instruments.
• The mild sedative properties found in the leaves of giant granadilla can be used to create a calming tea that promotes relaxation and alleviates stress.
• The fragrant flowers of giant granadilla can be incorporated into potpourri or used as a natural air freshener when dried and placed in cloth sachets.
• Decomposing parts of the giant granadilla plants such as leaves and fruits can serve as a nutrient-rich addition to compost piles, enriching the resulting soil amendment for gardening.
• Giant granadilla vines can create privacy screens or living fences when grown along trellises or mesh supports, enhancing garden aesthetics and providing habitat for beneficial insects.

Feng Shui

The Giant Granadilla is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Giant Granadilla is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Passion: Passiflora quadrangularis, commonly known as Giant Granadilla, is symbolic of passion due to its name "Passion Flower" which refers to the Passion of Christ in Christian symbolism. Each part of the flower holds symbolic meaning concerning the crucifixion.
• Suffering and Sacrifice: The various components of the Passiflora flower represent different aspects of the crucifixion, such as the ten petals and sepals representing the ten faithful apostles (excluding Judas and Peter). Thus, it symbolizes suffering and sacrifice.
• Heavenly Love: The unique coronal filaments of the Giant Granadilla are often associated with the crown of thorns, symbolizing the unwavering love and sacrifice of Jesus, which translates into a broader representation of celestial or divine love.
• Faith: The clinging nature of the vine and the way it grows, seeking light, correlates to faith -- a reminder to maintain beliefs and to trust in a higher power.
• Mystical Awareness: With its exotic appearance and complex structure, the Giant Granadilla can symbolize an unlocking of mysteries and an invitation to deeper understanding or spiritual awakening.