Passifloraceae

Passifloraceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly known as the passion flower family. The family is found worldwide, except in Antarctica, and is most diverse in South America, Asia, and Southern Africa.

Description

Passifloraceae are mostly tendril-bearing vines, with some being shrubs or trees. They can be woody or herbaceous. Passion flowers produce regular and usually showy flowers with a distinctive corona. The flower is pentamerous and ripens into an indehiscent fruit with numerous seeds.

Taxonomy

The family Passifloraceae is included in the order Malpighiales, according to the APG III system of classification. The family is further divided into four subfamilies: Malesherbioideae, Turnerioideae, Passifloroideae, and Paropsioideae.

Distribution and habitat

Passifloraceae are found worldwide, but they are most diverse in the neotropics, where their range extends from Patagonia to the southern United States. They are also found in Asia and Southern Africa.

Uses

Many species are cultivated for their ornamental flowers, others for their edible fruits. The most famous member of the family is the Passiflora edulis, the passion fruit.

See also

• List of Passifloraceae genera

References

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External links

• Passifloraceae at the Missouri Botanical Garden

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