Tropical Plant "Bell apple"
Passiflora nitida

Characteristics - The bell apple is a fruit bearer occasionally cultivated in the northern region of the country and is very abundant in its natural habitat, all of the Amazon region, as well as in the gallery forests of the scrubland biomass in Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Bahia and Goias. Its an herbaceous perennial, very vigorous, a climber (with tendrils), entirely glabrous, caulis cilindrical; stipules are linear-subulate, 5-6 mm long. Leaves coriaceous or subcoriaceous, lustrous on both surfaces, 9-17 cm long with a 3-4 cm petiole, that has Ipair of glands situated at the base of the foliar lamina. Flowers solitary, perfumed,diameter 9-12 cm, form from December to March. Fruits have a juicy pulp with a sweet flavor and a thick skin; they mature from April to July.

Uses - The fruits are consumed mainly in their natural state and are greatly appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.