Passiflora cristalina 

This striking new species of passion flower was discovered during an expedition to the Amazon Forest in Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Passiflora cristalina
Passiflora cristalina

Species Information

  • Scientific Name: Passiflora cristalina Vanderpl. & Zappi
  • Common name(s): maracujá-do-mato, passion flower
  • Conservation Status: Rated by the IUCN as Data Deficient (DD) - there is not enough information to categorise this species at present.
  • Habitat: Amazon Forest, restricted to the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
  • Known hazards: None known.

Taxonomy

  • Class: Equisetopsida
  • Subclass: Magnoliidae
  • Superorder: Rosanae
  • Order: Malpighiales
  • Family: Passifloraceae
  • Genus: Passiflora

About this species

This new species of passion flower was discovered while a detailed vegetation survey of the Parque Estadual Cristalino, in Northeastern Mato Grosso, was being developed. This area is presently affected by agriculture, logging and land settlers. The results of this research are currently being used by local government agencies to develop a management plan for this protected area.

The vegetation in this part of the Amazon is very poorly known, and the survey represented a major step forward in scientific knowledge. Over 3,500 collections were made during the visit, and these are currently being identified at Kew and the University of São Paulo. These collections include at least five species that are new to science.

There are more than 500 species of passion flower, and in the area of the Parque Estadual Cristalino the following species have been found: Passiflora acuminata, P. candollei, P. foetida, P. laurifolia, P. miniata, P. misera, P. nitida, P. oerstedii, P. subpeltata, P. cf. trifasciata and P. vespertilio.

Geography & Distribution

This species is only found in the Amazon Forest of Northern Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Description

Passiflora cristalina fruits

Fruits of Passiflora cristalina

Passiflora cristalina is a scrambling vine growing up to 4 m high. It has hairless tendrils 7 to 8 cm long and a red peduncle (flower stalk). The flowers are large and showy, with a basal tube and 5 red petals. The flowers contain 5 green stamens (male parts) and 3 green stigmas (female parts). The ovary is pink. It is thought that the flowers may be pollinated by hummingbirds.

The fruits of this species are egg-shaped, juicy, and pale green with darker markings. They are edible and are sought after by animals such as monkeys.

Threats & Conservation

This species is threatened by deforestation, which is carried out to clear land for cattle farming in the region. Research into the vegetation of the area, which was carried out by Kew, is being used by local government agencies to develop a management plan for this protected area.

Uses

The fruits of this passion flower are edible, and Passiflora cristalina could also be cultivated as an ornamental.

Useful Links

Checklist of the Flora of Cristalino, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Find out more about the work of Kew's Drylands Tropical America team

Programa Flora Cristalino - Research-based conservation and capacity building in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Search Kew's science databases for more information on this species

References & Credits

Kew Science Editor: Daniela Zappi
Copy editing: Emma Tredwell
Kew would like to thank the following contributors: John Vanderplank, Denise Sasaki, Renato de Mello-Silva, Renato Farias

While every effort has been taken to ensure that the information contained in these pages is reliable and complete, the notes on hazards, edibility and suchlike included here are recorded information and do not constitute recommendations. No responsibility will be taken for readers’ own actions. Full website terms and conditions.

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Detail of herbarium specimen for Mascarenhasia arborescens

Mascarenhasia arborescens

An attractive ornamental, Mascarenhasia arborescens was an important source of natural rubber in Madagascar in the early 1900s.

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