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 manicata is a rare, climbing plant native to Colombia and Ecuador producing stems up to 3 metres long. These stems scramble over the ground, or clamber into the surrounding vegetation, supporting themselves by means of coiling tendrils. It is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, which is fragrant, smelling like a cross between the purple passion fruit and banana passion fruit, but is more often grown as an ornamental, being prized for its strawberry-red, nectar rich flowers which attract birds, butterflies and bees. The unripe fruit may be toxic and for this reason it is known in Ecuador as ‘diablito’ because of its hallucinogenic properties. This species can be grown in pots or containers and can flower all year indoors if it has a bright sunny position.