Bell Apple Fruit Plant (Passiflora nitida)

Bell Apple – A Sweet Secret from the South American Tropics

Common Names: Bell Apple, Maracuja Suspiro
Botanical Name: Passiflora nitida
Native Regions: Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Colombia

A Hidden Star Among Passionfruits

Among the diverse and intriguing family of passion fruits, the Bell Apple, or Passiflora nitida, shines quietly yet distinctively. Native to the tropical lowlands of South America, this lesser-known vine bears fruits with exceptional flavor and gentle therapeutic value. Unlike its more commercial cousins, Bell Apple remains a rare gem cherished mostly in native communities—and now, by tropical fruit collectors across the world.

Veliyath Gardens is proud to introduce this plant to Indian soil, giving passionate gardeners a chance to nurture a variety once tucked away in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon basin.

Fruit Description – Flavorful, Fragrant, and Fresh

The Bell Apple fruit is admired not only for its sweet, citrusy pulp but also for its elegant, smooth rind and lush inner texture. The fruits resemble small bells in shape, with orange-yellow skins and a soft aroma reminiscent of tropical flowers.

• Oval to round shape, often slightly pointed at one end

• Thick skin with a smooth, waxy finish

• Pulp is succulent, mildly aromatic, and refreshingly sweet

• Seeds are edible and embedded in the juicy flesh

• Flavor resembles a blend of passionfruit, honeydew, and sweet lime

Culinary Versatility – From Jungle to Juicer

The fruit is enjoyed in various forms, especially in the lowlands of the Amazon region where locals consume it fresh or transform it into refreshing juices and desserts.

• Can be eaten fresh by cutting open the fruit and scooping out the pulp

• Used in tropical punches, smoothies, and sorbets

• Added to yogurt bowls or poured over desserts for a unique twist

• Can be fermented for making traditional beverages or health tonics

• The pulp pairs beautifully with lemon, mint, or even mild cheeses in fusion recipes

Its mellow sweetness and tangy undertone give it an edge over other passionfruits that often lean toward tartness.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits – Sweet Fruit, Strong Benefits

Besides being delicious, Bell Apple is also a potent source of nutrients and herbal goodness. For generations, the fruit and its extracts have been used by indigenous people to support wellness, calm the nerves, and boost vitality.

• Provitamin A: Important for vision, skin health, and immune defense

• Vitamin C: Natural immune support and antioxidant protection

• Fiber: Promotes digestion and gut health

• Mild Sedative Properties: Used traditionally to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep

• Cooling Nature: Helps with heat-related imbalances in tropical climates

Its cooling, gentle nature makes it a preferred fruit for daily wellness during hot and humid seasons.

Cultivation – A Rewarding Climber for Exotic Fruit Gardens

Growing the Passiflora nitida is both satisfying and strikingly beautiful. With its vigorous vines, lush leaves, and charming flowers, the Bell Apple is as decorative as it is fruitful.

• Growth Habit: A fast-growing climber with a perennial root system

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to dappled shade

• Soil: Well-drained, organically rich soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH

• Watering: Consistent moisture, especially in dry periods

• Fruiting Time: Usually begins fruiting in 1 to 2 years from planting

• Support Needed: Requires a trellis, fence, or natural structure to climb

• Height: Can climb up to 6–8 meters if space allows

• Temperature Range: Prefers warm tropical and subtropical climates; avoid frost

Maintenance and Care Tips

• Prune occasionally to shape and manage growth

• Feed with balanced organic fertilizers during the growing season

• Watch for common vine pests like aphids or spider mites—organic neem sprays work well

• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot

• Mulch the base to retain soil moisture and improve root health

Despite being a tropical species, Bell Apple adapts well to most Indian climates with proper care, especially in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and coastal zones.

Cultural & Traditional Significance

In parts of the Amazon, the Bell Apple fruit has been linked to relaxation, focus, and emotional balance. Used by herbalists as a calmant, it is often made into infusions or syrups believed to calm the mind and body. In rural Suriname and Guyana, it’s sometimes offered during festivals for its symbolic connection to harmony and health.

Preservation Tips

• Fruits can be stored fresh in cool places for up to a week

• Pulp can be extracted and frozen for later use in beverages

• Traditional sun-drying or paste-making extends shelf life for off-season enjoyment

Why Add Bell Apple to Your Garden?

At a time when health-conscious gardening is gaining ground, the Bell Apple fruit plant delivers both taste and therapeutic value. With its quick growth, striking appeal, and exotic flavor, it appeals to plant lovers looking for something more than just greenery—it offers an experience.

Veliyath Gardens is delighted to bring this South American delicacy into the spotlight for the first time in Indian rare fruit collections. As a first-of-its-kind initiative, we strive to provide not just plants but deep-rooted botanical knowledge for every fruit enthusiast.

Limited Availability – High Demand for a Hidden Healer

Due to the growing demand and rarity of this plant, only limited live specimens of the Bell Apple (Passiflora nitida) are currently available at Veliyath Gardens. We recommend pre-booking this plant to ensure a place for this rare passionfruit variety in your exotic collection.

Let your garden echo the forgotten whispers of the Amazon. Let it bear the fruits of taste, beauty, and wellness—with Bell Apple, now at Veliyath Gardens.