Passiflora Subgenus Astrophea

This paper examines an unusual group of Passiflora L., providing an overview of all aspects related to the members of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast. It gives an account of their classification, morphology, distribution, habitats and ecology in order to provide a better understanding of the species included in this group. These examinations are factored into the recommendations forsuccessful ex situ cultivation which is generally regarded as difficult. More depth of information on cultivation is provided for the four species most commonly found under cultivation: Passiflora jussieui Feuillet, P. lindeniana Planch. ex Triana & Planch., P. macrophylla Spruce ex Mast. and P. pittieri Mast. Despite the problems these plants present in cultivation they are rewarding additios to any plant collection which in future is likely to be of great importance due to many being threatened in their natural habitats. This project is an extract from the author’s dissertation that was written for the Kew Diploma in Horticulture in 2012.