Banana passionflower (Passiflora tarminiana, Novon 11: 9 (2001))

Family: Passifloraceae

Author: Coppens & V.E.Barney

Bibliography: Novon 11: 9 (2001)

Year: 2001

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Passiflora

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Venezuela and Peru

Description

The Banana passionflower is a captivating species renowned for its strikingly beautiful flowers and distinctive banana-shaped fruits. Known scientifically as Passiflora tarminiana, this plant belongs to the extensive family Passifloraceae, which includes a variety of other passionflowers celebrated for their ornamental and horticultural value.

First described in the scholarly journal Novon in 2001 by Coppens and V.E. Barney, the Banana passionflower is an intriguing subject of botanical study. With origins that trace from Southern Mexico through Central and South America, reaching as far south as Venezuela and Peru, this plant thrives in various tropical climates.

The Banana passionflower is easily distinguishable by its lush green foliage and the enchanting flowers that emerge in hues of pink and purple. These blossoms not only add visual interest to gardens and natural landscapes but also attract a myriad of pollinators, playing a crucial role in local ecosystems.

One of the plant’s most notable features is its fruit. Unlike the round fruits of many other passionflower species, the Banana passionflower produces elongated, banana-shaped fruits that inspire its common name. These fruits are not only unique in appearance but are also edible, making them a popular choice for fruit enthusiasts and adding culinary interest to the plant.

In cultivation, the Banana passionflower is favored for its robustness and ornamental appeal. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires a supportive structure to accommodate its climbing nature. Gardeners in suitable climates often train the plant on trellises, arbors, or fences to best showcase its floriferous growth.

Overall, Passiflora tarminiana stands out not just for its beauty and unique fruit, but also for its ecological and cultural significance across its native range. The Banana passionflower continues to be a subject of both scientific study and horticultural admiration, bringing a touch of tropical elegance to gardens and natural habitats where it is cultivated or naturally occurs.

Common Names

Eng: banana passionflower, banana poka
En: Banana passionflower, Banana poka, Banana passionfruit

Synonyms

Distribution

• Colombia (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Peru (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3587792)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:321062-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Passiflora tarminiana Coppens & V.E. Barney)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth