Family: Passifloraceae
Passiflora laurifolia (bell apple, Jamaican honeysuckle) is a tropical, fruit bearing vine belonging to the Passifloraceae family. It is native to the tropical Americas, and has spread to many other parts of the world. The fruits are available for consumption where the vine grows wild, but it is not known widely outside those regions. It is not to be confused with Passiflora edulis, or lilikoi, which is commonly consumed and well-known in Hawaiʻi. In Hawaiʻi it has naturalized in wet mesic forests on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokai,i and Hawaiʻi Island. It threatens the habitat of the Kadua haupuensis, an endangered native plant species endemic to the island of Kaua’i.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere in the wet tropics
- Threatens habitat of at least one endangered plant species in the Hawaiian Islands (Kadua haupuensis)
- Other Passiflora species are invasive weeds
- Toxic properties to people and possibly animals
- Climbing and smothering growth habit
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Fast growing. Reaches maturity in 2-3 years.
- Seeds dispersed by birds, and other fruit-eating animals (possibly pigs in the Hawaiian Islands) and through intentional cultivation
Low Risk Traits:
- Primarily occurs in disturbed, low-elevation habitats. Impacts to natural resources in the Hawaiian Islands currently only reported for one endangered plant species
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Edible fruit
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Cross-pollination required for seed set
- Seeds not reported to form a persistent seed bank
- Herbicides may provide effective control