Corky Passion Vine

Passiflora suberosa

Corky Passion Flower

DESCRIPTION

Climbing passion flower with unbranched tendrils, older stems becoming corky. Leaves are threepointed and ivy-like with deep and acute lobes; leaf blade 3-10cm long. Lower stems are white and corky barked; stipules are 4-6mm long. Petioles 5-20mm long with two glands near the middle.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Pale green flowers 15mm wide lack petals; these can be found during summer. Blue-black globular fruit 10-15mm across ripens in early autumn.

HABITAT AND RANGE

A native of tropical America, this is a problematic weed requiring vigilant maintenance to ensure its removal. Seed stored in the soil will germinate rapidly after over-storey weeds, such as lantana, have been cleared. Dispersed by birds