Passiflora mollisima (Banana Passion Fruit)

Passiflora mollisima (Banana Passion Fruit) is a climbing vine native to the Andean region of South America. It belongs to the Passifloraceae family, which is known for its diverse and vibrant passionflowers. Banana Passion Fruit is cultivated for its delicious fruit, which is highly aromatic and has a sweet-tart flavor.

Growth habit: Banana Passion Fruit is a vigorous, evergreen vine that can reach lengths of up to 30 feet (9 meters) or more. It has long, slender stems that climb by means of tendrils and can form dense thickets if left unchecked.

Leaves: The leaves of Banana Passion Fruit are dark green and deeply lobed, with three or five lobes. They are large and attractive, adding to the ornamental appeal of the plant.

Flowers: The flowers of Banana Passion Fruit are large and showy, typically measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) in diameter. They have white or pale pink petals with purple and white filaments in the center. The flowers are fragrant and attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Fruit: The fruit of Banana Passion Fruit is oval to elongated in shape and can reach 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) in length. When ripe, the skin turns from green to yellow or orange and becomes wrinkled. The pulp is juicy, aromatic, and filled with small, edible seeds. The flavor is sweet-tart and reminiscent of bananas, giving rise to the common name "Banana Passion Fruit."

Climbing ability: Banana Passion Fruit is a climbing vine that requires support to grow vertically. It uses its tendrils to cling to structures such as trellises, fences, or other plants. It can also be trained as a sprawling ground cover if desired.

Banana Passion Fruit is an attractive and rewarding plant to grow for both its ornamental features and its delicious fruit. With its beautiful flowers, fragrant fruit, and ease of growth, Passiflora mollissima is truly a tropical treasure!