Passiflora megacoriacea | The Italian Collection of Maurizio Vecchia

DESCRIPTION:

The date of description of Passiflora megacoriacea has sometimes been reported incorrectly in certain publications and catalogues, where 1931 is given as the reference year. In fact, the species was formally described only in 2014 by Kristen Porter-Utley, as part of a revision of the subgenus Decaloba published in the journal PhytoKeys (vol. 43, p. 165). The earlier references probably derive from preliminary citations or herbarium specimens that had not yet been validated according to the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Ellsworth P. Killip, in his fundamental work The American Species of Passifloraceae (1938), makes no mention of the species.

The main distinguishing feature of this species lies in the shape and texture of its leaves. They are similar to those of Passiflora coriacea, Passiflora sexocellata, Passiflora xiikzodz and Passiflora itzensis. To these I would also add my widely grown hybrid Passiflora ‘Manta’. Unlike the latter, the blade of Passiflora megacoriacea is of an even dark green colour, without any pale mottling.

The leaf surface is thick and firm, with a leathery texture reminiscent of fine leather. The blade is broad and slightly transverse, with lobes extending laterally so as to evoke the outline of a bat’s wing. The upper surface is glossy and smooth, capable of reflecting light with a satin sheen, while the underside is more opaque and highlights the central and secondary veins. The margin is entire and slightly wavy, the base heart-shaped, and the apex rounded or slightly pointed. This structure gives the leaf remarkable resistance to rain, which runs easily off its shiny surface, a typical adaptation of species living in constantly humid and rainy environments.

The flowers of Passiflora megacoriacea are small, solitary and pendulous. They measure about three centimetres in diameter and have yellowish green sepals, paler petals, and a corona made up of short yellow filaments. The flower has no scent but stands out for its balanced form and the clear tone that contrasts with the dark foliage.

Passiflora megacoriacea is native to Central America and occurs mainly in Costa Rica, Panama and north-western Colombia. It grows in humid forests of low and medium altitude, often between 200 and 1000 metres, where the climate is warm and constantly moist throughout the year. It is a typical species of the tropical rainforest biome, characterised by abundant and evenly distributed rainfall, high humidity and temperatures that vary little between seasons.

This species can be successfully grown in a pot, provided that its tropical requirements are respected. It prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures not falling below 12 °C. In temperate climates it should be kept in a greenhouse or a bright veranda during winter, while in the warm season it can be moved outdoors, in a bright position but sheltered from direct sunlight during the central hours of the day.