Passiflora murucuja

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Passiflora polignacia
• Murucuia lunata
• Murucuia ocellata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Passiflora murucuja, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Passifloraceae and the genus Passiflora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Passiflora murucuja, exhibits a specific distribution across the Caribbean islands. Its presence is well-documented within the nation of the Dominican Republic. Additionally, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Haiti. The species also extends its range to include the island of Puerto Rico. Consequently, its geographical footprint is concentrated within these key Caribbean territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Passiflora murucuja is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it lives for more than two years and maintains its presence in the ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial climbing vine, it establishes a robust root system that allows it to survive through various environmental shifts, often relying on support structures like trees or fences to ascend toward sunlight. Its developmental cycle involves an initial vegetative phase where it develops tendrils and foliage, followed by a reproductive phase marked by the emergence of complex, fragrant flowers. These flowers facilitate pollination, leading to the development of characteristic fruits that contain the seeds necessary for the continuation of the species. Throughout its extended lifespan, the plant undergoes seasonal cycles of growth and flowering, contributing to its long-term persistence in its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Passiflora murucuja is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, exhibiting a non-woody texture throughout its structure. It functions as an obligatory climber, utilizing specialized structures to ascend and support its weight as it grows.

Climber :

obligatory

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Passiflora murucuja has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Deidaclin, Epivolkenin, Passibiflorin, Tetraphyllin A, Tetraphyllin B.

Deidaclin

1. Phytochemistry

Epivolkenin

1. Phytochemistry

Passibiflorin

1. Phytochemistry

Tetraphyllin A

1. Phytochemistry

Tetraphyllin B

1. Phytochemistry

Volkenin

1. Phytochemistry