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.
Modecca
Modecca
Genus of the family Passifloraceae, currently considered a synonym of Adenia. Modecca species are climbing or caudiciform plants from southern and tropical Africa, prized by collectors for their tuberous bases or large caudices and their ornamental flowers.
Paschanthus
Paschanthus
Genus of caudex-forming climbing plants in Passifloraceae, native to southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana, Northern Cape). They bear a swollen basal caudex, tendril-climbing stems, and smaller passion-flower-like blooms. Extremely drought-tolerant; allied to Adenia and Modecca.