Passiflora incarnata (Passifloraceae): A new fruit crop

Passiflora incarnata bears flavorful fruits consumed by past and present pe oples, and this plant deserves greater use as a fruit crop. Native to south eastern North America, it is an herbaceous perennial vine which flowers and fruits over much of the growing season. P. incarnata is self-incompatible and usually pollinated by carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.). Plants are functi onally andromonoecious, and low resource status favors male flower producti on and thus reduces fruit set. The fruits contain many seeds, each surround ed by art aril holding edible juice, and this juice can be consumed fresh o r used in processed products. Because it is a minor agricultural weed, P in carnata should not be introduced into regions where it may naturalize. Poly ploid hybrids of P. incarnata and the subtropical and tropical passionfruit , P. edulis, are also potential temperate fruit crops. Future research on P . incarnata should evaluate intraspecific genetic variation and performance in cultivation.