The Andean subgenus Tacsonia of the genus Passiflora is composed of more than 47 species (13 with edible fruits) (Escobar, 1988). P.tripartita var. mollissima is cultivated and commercialized throughout the Andean region. Other widely distributed Tacsonia species - including P. mixta, P. cumbalensis and, P. pinnatistipula - and P. manicata (subgenus Manicata) are of local commercial importance and have potential for breeding. However, knowledge about their environmental requirements is generally much less than for P. mollissima, with few reports of their range and possible distribution, and until recently few germplams accessions.

Recently the Andean countries, with support from the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and foundins from Interamerican Development Bank, started a project to collect, characterize and conserve species of genus Passiflora, focusing on subgenis Tacsonia. The first step of this cooperative program involved collecting trips in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.