Passiflora gracillima | The Italian Collection of Maurizio Vecchia

DESCRIPTION:

The extraordinary variety of shapes, colours and bearings characterising the genus Passiflora more than any other, could not fail to also include some tiny and delicate species. So, we have P. gracillima, one of the smallest. It has many characteristics common to P. discophora, such as its branched tendrils suitable for clinging to rough surfaces. Both belong, in fact, to the small subgenus Deidamioides, section Tryphostemmatoides.

Despite its small size, it grows decisively and knows how to adapt well to the most diverse climates and environments, so much so that it is less delicate than its older sister. If it finds any support it takes it over, and its thin, hairless stems follow its direction and try to climb upwards to reach a brighter position.

P. gracillima is appreciated for its alternate leaves that are ovate, almost circular. The blade is shiny, delicate and thin to the point of appearing almost transparent against the light. Its colour, however, is a decisively intense green. The petiole bears two, barely visible, small glands.

In Italy, it is very difficult to see it flower, even if growing healthily. It takes years and perhaps needs climatic conditions more similar to those found in its natural places of origin (Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador).

The flowers are about 1.5-2 cm in diameter, and their pale yellow-green colour renders them inconspicuous. The corolla is made up of 5 sepals longer than the 5 petals. It is enriched by a corona of thin, hair-like filaments, arranged in various series of different lengths to form a small white wad with a green tinge.

The fruits are elongated and have a hexagonal section with six longitudinal ribs in relief.

The plant can also be grown in a small pot if placed in good light. If it is offered support, it will cling to it; otherwise, it adopts a trailing behaviour. It has no particular requirements regarding which soil to use. In winter, it is advisable to keep it at a temperature no lower than 8°C.

Seeds are not easy to find commercially, so the most widely used and easiest method of propagation is from cuttings.