Botanical name:

Passiflora tetrandra

Common name(s):

Kohia, NZ passionflower, NZ passionfruit

About:

The vines of the New Zealand passionfruit are generally quite discreet and often flourish high up in the tops of trees, generally remaining unseen until they ultimately flower. Some varieties display beautiful cascading clusters of vivid white flowers, which are followed by wonderfully fluffy seed balls on the female plant. The process of climbing is effectively assisted by touch-sensitive tendrils that grow out from the stem at the base of each leaf, allowing the vine to effectively reach for sunlight and support.

Natural habitat:

Passiflora tetrandra grows naturally in lowland forests

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout the entire North Island and as far south as Banks Peninsula in the South Island.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

October – December with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November – March with a lemon shaped orange fruit up to 30mm long.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though