Tag: Passiflora

A 2022 study revealed that concentrations of harmine in native Banisteriopsis caapi plants showed significant variability, with some samples containing up to 18.27 mg/g. Harmine, a beta-carboline alkaloid, is predominantly found in specific plant species, rather than common dietary foods.

While some fruits thrive in highly acidic conditions, passionfruit vines prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. This preference for moderately acidic conditions can be a surprise to those who ask, 'Is passionfruit acid loving?'

The family containing passion fruit is surprisingly large, with the Passifloraceae family encompassing around 750 species across 27 genera. This extensive and diverse botanical group includes not only the well-known edible fruit but also numerous ornamental climbing vines known for their spectacular flowers.

Not all passion fruit is safe to eat; for example, the fruit of *Passiflora subpeltata* (white passionflower) is not edible and contains toxic cyanic acid. Knowing which passion fruit is not edible is crucial for anyone foraging for wild fruit or cultivating passionflowers in their garden to avoid accidental poisoning.