Passiflora quadrangularis L.
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Authority
Popenoe, Wilson. 1924. Economic fruit-bearing plants of Ecuador. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 24: i-ix, 101-134. pl. 34-49.
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Family
Passifloraceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Description - The giant granadilla, as this plant is called in English, is the largest-fruited species of its genus. It is a coarse, strong climber, with four-angled stems and ovate or round-ovate, cordate leaves 15 to 20 cm. long. The flowers are white and purple, about 7 cm. in diameter, while the roughly oblong fruits are sometimes 30 cm. in length. The surface is dull yellow or orange-yellow, and the skin thin and delicate; within the latter is a zone of crisp, white flesh about 2.5 cm. in thickness, surrounding a cavity in which lie the numerous small, black seeds, each enveloped in whitish, translucent pulp.
Uses - There is usually a quantity of juice within the cavity, and this, together with the pulp which surrounds the seeds, is used to prepare an excellent refresco.
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Common Names
badea, Tumbo, giant granadilla