This name is not universally accepted. Some authorities treat this var as a distinct species, as Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) L.H.Bailey, whilst others treat it as a synonym of Passiflora tarminiana Coppens & V.Barney[].

Common Name: Banana Passionfruit

General Information

Passiflora tripartita mollissima is an evergreen, climbing shrub producing stems that can be 5 - 20 metres long. These stems scramble over the ground or clamber into the surrounding vegetation, supporting themselves by means of coiling tendrils[, ].
The plant is widely cultivated in many areas of the world for its edible fruit[, ] and is also commonly grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western S. America - Andes of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Found at elevations between 2,000 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Passiflora tripartita mollissima prefers a cooler, less humid atmosphere than most other members of the genus, growing well at moderate elevations, generally above 1,000 metres in the tropics, and at lower elevations in the subtropics and warm temperate zones[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 15 - 18°c, but can tolerate 8 - 30°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -2°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,300 - 1,700mm, but tolerates 700 - 2,300mm[].
Requires a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and a position in dappled shade where it can grow up towards the sun[]. Passiflora species tend to flower and fruit more freely when grown in soils of only moderate fertility[]. Prefers a circumneutral soil, disliking very acid or very alkaline conditions[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 4.3 - 8[].
Plants have escaped from cultivation in several areas of the world[], and the plant has been declared a noxious weed in America. Many of these reports, particularly in New Zealand and Hawaii, refer to the related, but more vigorous Passiflora tarminiana[].
Widely cultivated for its edible fruit in the tropics and subtropics, well managed plants can produce 300 - 400 fruits per year, equivalent to 30 - 47 tonnes per hectare[]..
The plant starts fruiting after about 2 years from seed[].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut back to ground level if required to rejuvenate the plant[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - eaten raw or used in ice creams, fruit salads, pies, jellies, to make drinks etc[]. The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. The yellow, oblong, aromatic fruits are highly prized for their juice[]. The fruit is about 70mm long and 35mm wide[].
The fruits of this species are a pale yellow colour, the pulp is more aromatic and tart and has a somewhat superior flavour to the flesh of the deep yellow to orange fruits of Passiflora tarminiana[].

Medicinal

The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called 'passiflorina' which has similaritiesr to morphine and is an effective tranquilizer[]. We have no specific information for this species but many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about a restful sleep[].
The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, antihysteric and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe along with the pulp which will help break down the seed coat and speed up germination[]. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of a fresh passion fruit (of any species)[]. Even so, it can take 12 months for stored seed to germinate[]. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 - 24°c[]. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough[].
Cuttings of young shoots, taken at the nodes.
Layering. Very easy[].
Air layering.

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