A Moment of Tiki (Episode 80 - Secrets of Tiki Landscaping) - General Tiki

PP Prikli Pear Tiki Socialite New Braunfels, Texas Joined: Jan 04, 2017 Posts: 1050	PP Prikli Pear Posted posted on Mon, Jun 2, 2025 9:07 PM in reply to BlackWater Oh! I can help you with that! All hibiscus are edible--flowers as well as the leaves. Okra is actually a close relative of hibiscus--look at the flowers and you'll see it. As for passiflora, every part of the plant is toxic! The vines have a natural cyanide compound in them to discourage herbivores. Certain butterfly species have developed a tolerance to that and their caterpillars feed exclusively on the plants, absorbing that toxicity as a defense against predators. The fruit is absolutely fine to eat just as soon as it fully ripens. I know some people make a tea from the leaves of the vine, but dry them first so the toxic compounds break down. But don't use passion flowers as a garnish (they don't last very long before wilting, anyway).

Oh! I can help you with that! All hibiscus are edible--flowers as well as the leaves. Okra is actually a close relative of hibiscus--look at the flowers and you'll see it.

As for passiflora, every part of the plant is toxic! The vines have a natural cyanide compound in them to discourage herbivores. Certain butterfly species have developed a tolerance to that and their caterpillars feed exclusively on the plants, absorbing that toxicity as a defense against predators. The fruit is absolutely fine to eat just as soon as it fully ripens. I know some people make a tea from the leaves of the vine, but dry them first so the toxic compounds break down. But don't use passion flowers as a garnish (they don't last very long before wilting, anyway).

Post #815834 by Prikli Pear on Mon, Jun 2, 2025 9:07 PM