The purple passionfruit, Passiflora edulis, is a semi-woody perennial vine that is native to Brazil in South America. In suitable conditions it is a rampant grower, using tendrils to assist in its climbing habit. The leaves are green and three lobed. The flowers are large whitish petals, five well developed stamens, and a large tripartite style in the centre.

The fruit is round to oval, 4-6 cm in diameter, and a deep purple colour when ripe. Inside it is a mass of small black seeds each enclosed in a yellow juicy pulp, which is quite aromatic and has a slightly acid by distinctive flavour. The pulp is surrounded by a hard, leathery rind, which is initially green in colour, turning to deep purple when ripe. The surface of the skin is however somewhat delicate, and is easily scratched if roughly handled.