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 Passion Fruit

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[].
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[].

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	Bees
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 short periods with temperatures down to about -5°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -2°c[]. The rootstock is somewhat more cold tolerant, with reports that, although the plant might die back to ground level, the roots can survive temperatures down to -10°c or perhaps lower and then resprout with the onset of warmer weather in spring. The plant 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[].
When growing the plant outdoors in cooler climates, the roots should be restricted in order to reduce vegetative growth and encourage fruiting[]. To further improve the chances of producing fruit it is best to hand pollinate using pollen from a flower that has been open for 12 hours to pollinate a newly opened flower before midday[].
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

Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sow late winter or early spring in a warm greenhouse. If sown in January and grown on fast it can flower and fruit in its first year[]. The seed germinates in 1 - 12 months at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. It you are intending to grow the plants outdoors, it is probably best to keep them in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Mulch the roots well in late autumn to protect them from the cold.
Cuttings of young shoots, 15cm with a heel, in spring[].
Leaf bud cuttings in spring.
Cuttings of fully mature wood in early summer. Takes 3 months. High percentage[].