Passiflora species

(Native Passionfruit)

Not to be confused with invasive exotic Passionfruit species (see our information sheet in Invasive Plants), Australia's native species are ideal landscape plants - with some provisos.

Passiflora aurantia Blunt-leaved Passionfruit This very attractive species has dark green leaves with three rounded lobes. The flowers are pink and then age to reddish. It is found naturally in New South Wales, Queensland, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. It can really only be cultivated as far south as Sydney, and, unfortunately, it can be short lived in cultivation. It is grown from seed.

Passiflora cinnabarina Red Passionflower Only considered moderately vigorous, this tendril climber also has three-lobed leaves, but the lobes are pointed. The flowers are red and the plant makes an extremely showy landscape plant for a sturdy fence or trellis. It tolerates most soils and aspects. It is found naturally in New South Wales (South Coast) and Victoria's East Gippsland, BUT BEWARE, it has naturalised elsewhere in Victoria and in northern Tasmania where it has been found in drier forests and woodlands, so check that it is not an invasive plant problem in your area before planting. This one can be grown from seed and cuttings. (Image courtesy of www.hewo.nl - Henks Passiflora Site)

Passiflora herbertiana Native Passionfruit This one is a vigorous species. It produces delightful pale apricot flowers in spring, but it isn't as showy as the other species. The leaves are three-lobed, but can also be entire (not lobed). It grows very rapidly and is frost resistant. It's found naturally in New South Wales and Queensland. It is grown from seed. Notably, it is reported to have the best flavour of the native passionfruit! (Image by Van Swearingen)

Information sources:

Wrigley, J.W. & Fagg, M, 2003, Fifth Edition, Australian Native Plants, New Holland Publishers.
Muyt, A., 2001, Bush Invaders of South-East Australia, published by R.G. & F.J. Richardson.

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