New Zealand Passion Vine (Kohia)
Passiflora tetrandra
Passiflora tetrandra, known as Kohia or New Zealand Passion Vine, is our only native passion flower species. This vigorous climber produces fragrant greenish-white flowers and distinctive orange fruits that split to reveal black seeds in bright red arils. An important food source for native birds, this forest vine can climb to the canopy of tall trees and was traditionally used by Māori for its strong, flexible stems. native trees
Image credit: Kohia (Passiflora tetrandra) – Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Passiflora tetrandra |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 meters (33 ft) as a climber |
| Spread | Spreads several meters; twining vine that can cover large trees |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soils |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low to moderate; young plants need protection from frost |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate; tolerates some coastal exposure |
| Growth Rate | Fast; vigorous climber in suitable conditions |
| Lifespan | Perennial; long-lived in forest settings |
Climate Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Excellent |
| Auckland | Excellent |
| Hamilton | Excellent |
| Tauranga | Excellent |
| Rotorua | Excellent |
| Gisborne | Excellent |
| New Plymouth | Excellent |
| Napier | Excellent |
| Whanganui | Excellent |
| Palmerston North | Excellent |
| Wellington | Excellent |
| Nelson | Good |
| Christchurch | Fair |
| Dunedin | Poor |
| Invercargill | Poor |
Growing
- Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils
- Plant in full sun to partial shade
- Water regularly during establishment
- Climbs by twining around supports
Uses
- Attractive climber for gardens and naturalistic plantings
- Edible fruit (though not as sweet as tropical passionfruit)
- Traditional Māori uses include medicinal applications and food
Seasonal Care
- Spring: Prune to shape and encourage new growth
- Summer: Water during dry spells; enjoy flowering and fruiting
- Autumn: Mulch and tidy fallen leaves
- Winter: Protect young plants from heavy frost
Pruning
- Prune after fruiting to control size and shape
- Remove dead or tangled stems as needed
Planting Guide
- Choose a sunny or partially shaded site with good drainage
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball
- Mix compost into the soil
- Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container
- Water well and mulch around the base
- Provide a trellis or support for climbing
Propagation
- Seed: Sow fresh seed in moist, well-drained mix; germination can be slow
- Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer; use rooting hormone for best results
Cultural History
Passiflora tetrandra is known as "kōhia" in te reo Māori. It is valued for its edible fruit and features in traditional stories. Māori used the plant for food, medicine, and as a source of oil from the seeds.
Pests & Diseases
- Generally hardy, but can be affected by aphids and caterpillars
- Root rot possible in poorly drained soils
- Monitor for signs of disease and treat promptly
Bonus Tip
Train kōhia on a trellis or fence for a productive, native privacy screen. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers and fruit.
