Banana Passion Fruit

Passiflora mollisima

Physical Characteristics

Passiflora mollisima is an evergreen Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Venezuela and Colombia to Bolivia and Peru.

Habitats

South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[46, 105]. An agreeable flavour[2]. An aromatic taste, it can be eaten out of hand or used as a flavouring in ice creams, fruit salads, puddings etc[183]. A juice made from the fruit is highly prized in S. America[183]. Individual fruits are up to 15cm long and weigh 50 - 150g[196].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known