Passiflora mollissima (Banana Passionfruit) is a fast-growing climbing evergreen that is native to tropical regions of South America. Banana Passionfruit produces a delicious, edible fruit that is similar to peaches and adorns pretty pink flowers throughout Summer.
Suitable for Temperate, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Passiflora mollissima is also commonly known as the Taxo Plant and is called Caruba in Colombia and Bolivia, Tasco in Ecuador, Parcha in Venezuela and Tumbo in Peru. The locals of Hawaii affectionately call the fruit Banana Poka.
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Growth
Passiflora mollissima is a fast-growing evergreen climber that can reach a maximum height of 8 metres (26 feet) by 2.5 metres (8 feet) wide. Banana Passionfruit thrives in warm temperatures and moist nutrient-dense soils. However, established plants can tolerate light frosts and have successfully fruited in Melbourne.
Banana Passionfruit leaves are slightly downy oval mid-green leaflets with heart-shaped bases. During Summer plants produce large pink flowers up to 10cm (4 inches) in diameter followed by oblong yellow coloured fruits. Please note that unripe fruits are mildly toxic and should not be consumed.
In tropical conditions, Banana Passionfruit can start producing fruit within the first growing season but in temperate climates usually takes between 18-24 months.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Passifloraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0-30°C / 32-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 8m (26 feet).
WIDTH:
Up to 2.5m (8 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
12-24 months
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours and then 4-6 weeks at temperatures between 20-25°C/68-77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 15
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT PASSIFLORA MOLLISSIMA (Banana Passionfruit)
There are around 180 seeds in each fruit Banana Passionfruit.
After flowering, the fruits will ripen in about 2-3 months and are ripe when they turn yellow and begin to emit a sweet and fruity smell.
Passiflora mollissima fruits are high in fibre, vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus and iron. To eat the fruit simply cut it in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon or add it to a smoothie. They have a similar taste to melon or peaches but a crunchy texture like common passionfruit.
In some states of Australia, the Banana Passionfruit is considered an invasive weed so care should be taken to restrict the spread within your own garden.
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