Botanical Name: Passiflora quadrangularis
Family: Passifloraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Genus: Passiflora
Species: P. quadrangularis
Common Names: Giant granadilla, Barbadine (Trinidad), Grenadine (Haiti), Giant tumbo or Badea (Spanish)
Habitat:Barbadine native to the Neotropics.Majorly it is found in tropical regions of America and said have originated from Brazil (South America). Cultivation of this fruit was later started in Caribbean islands and Bermuda. Some of the wild species exist in Peru and Mexico also.
Description:
It is a vigorous, tender evergreen perennial climber with nodding red flowers, each surrounded by white and purple filaments. It has smooth, cordate, ovate or acuminate leaves; petioles bearing from 4 to 6 glands; an emetic and narcotic root; scented flowers;It produces the largest fruit of any species within the genus Passiflora. The fruit is large & oblong , containing numerous seeds, embedded in a subacid edible pulp.
Edible Uses:
*Consumed as a fruit
*Extraction is used in cold drinks and other beverages
*Used in preparation of preserved juices and syrups
*Extract & the fruit itself is added in making desserts
*Utilized in preparing wine
The fruit juice of the badea is used as a beverage. In some parts of Sri Lanka the fruit, where it is known as is cooked as a vegetable curry, and the seeds are consumed as a snack or used to extract juice.
A tea is made from the leaves which is used for high blood pressure and diabetes. A drink and ice-cream are made from the fruit.
Medicinal Uses:
*The plant’s crushed root mixed with oil proves to be an excellent medicinal dressing
*The flesh/pulp of the fruit act as a mild sedative that aids in treating asthma, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, insomnia, dysentery, and neurasthenia
*Consuming the poultices of the leaf can treat liver problems
*Extracts of the leaves are used to cure writhes of the intestines
*The fruit also provides relief from stomachic and scurvy
*Used as a mild sedative in tropical regions
*Treats many stomach ailments
*Used to reduce hemorrhaging
*The fruit helps in lowering body cholesterol
*Cures a bronchitis and whooping cough
During pregnancy:
As the giant granadilla belongs to the passion fruit family, it is highly nutritious and most recommended for pregnant women. The fruit contains medicinal alkaloids that facilitate the sedative impact on the person. Therefore, consuming the fruit during pregnancy helps in reducing the anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Giant granadilla boosts the immunity due to the presence of Vitamin C, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin hence. It also helps in the development of the fetus and ensures the excellent health of bone.
Other Uses: Passiflora quadrangularis is also grown as an ornamental. Requiring a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), in temperate zones it must be grown under glass. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
The badea is sometimes grown in greenhouses. The fruits of several other species of Passiflora are eaten. P. laurifolia is the water lemon and P. maliformis the sweet calabash of the West Indies.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora_quadrangularis
http://foodsportal.com/giant-granadilla/
