Passiflora, known also as the passion flowers or passion vines, is a genus of about 500 species of flowering plants, the namesakes of the family Passifloraceae. They are mostly vines, with some being shrubs, and a few species being herbaceous. Several species of Passiflora are cultivated outside their natural range for their beautiful flowers and delicious edible fruit. The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called passiflorina which has similarities to morphine and is said to be an effective tranquilizer. Many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep. The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, anti-hysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil medicinally to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas. Hundreds of hybrids have been named; hybridizing is currently being done extensively for flowers, foliage and fruit. Most species have round or elongated edible fruit from 5cm to 20cm long and 2.5cm to 5cm across, depending upon the species or cultivar. Passiflora will adjust to any kind of soil, except desert conditions or very alkaline soil. Prefers full sun but will do with a light place or even half-shade. Passiflora need abundant watering during the growing season. In winter watering can significantly be reduced but good soil moisture must be maintained.

Passiflora adenopoda is a perennial climbing plant with stems that become rather woody at the base. The stems can grow 4 to 10 meters long, occasionally reaching 15 meters, and are up to 25mm in diameter. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into nearby vegetation for support and attaching themselves by means of tendrils. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as food and a medicine. The flesh of the fruit is whitish, with orange, sweet-flavoured, somewhat translucent pulp. The oval purple fruit is around 4.5 to 6.5cm long and 3.5 to 5.5cm in diameter. Although green fruits can appear to be mature, the fruit is not fully mature until the skin has turned purple.