Passifloraceae
Passifloraceae Juss. ex Roussel (1806)
Family of vines, herbs, and shrubs distributed mainly in the American and African tropics. Comprises genera with notable morphological adaptations: some develop large succulent caudices for water storage (Adenia), while others produce elaborate flowers with showy coronas (Passiflora). Many species contain cyanogenic compounds as herbivore defense.
Adenia
Adenia
Genus of caudiciform and climbing plants in the Passifloraceae family, distributed across tropical Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia. Species develop large globose or columnar basal caudices that store water and nutrients, enabling survival through prolonged droughts. Foliage is deciduous or semi-deciduous; all parts contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides. Highly valued in succulent and caudex bonsai collecting.