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Description
Passiflora Tarminiana, commonly known as banana passionfruit, is a species of tropical fruit-bearing vine. It is a member of the Passifloraceae family and is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. The plant produces large, yellow, egg-shaped fruits that are edible and have a sweet-tart flavor. It is a fast-growing vine that can reach up to 30 feet in length and can climb trees and other supports with its tendrils.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Passifloraceae |
| Genus | Passiflora |
Appearance
The leaves of Passiflora Tarminiana are dark green and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are white and have a distinctive crown-like structure in the center. The fruit is large, yellow, and egg-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The fruit is covered in a thick, leathery skin that is easy to peel. Inside, the fruit has a soft, juicy pulp that contains numerous small, black seeds.
Care Guide
Passiflora Tarminiana requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. The plant also requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. It should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Passiflora Tarminiana is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Common pests include spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to several fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and black spot. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around the plant and avoiding wetting the leaves during watering.
Habitat
Passiflora Tarminiana is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and disturbed areas. It is a fast-growing vine that can climb trees and other supports with its tendrils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Passiflora Tarminiana edible?
A: Yes, the fruit of Passiflora Tarminiana is edible and has a sweet-tart flavor.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Passiflora Tarminiana?
A: Passiflora Tarminiana is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: Does Passiflora Tarminiana require full sun or partial shade?
A: Passiflora Tarminiana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and should be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Q: What is the average length of Passiflora Tarminiana?
A: Passiflora Tarminiana can reach up to 30 feet in length.
Related Plants
- Passiflora edulis
- Passiflora incarnata
- Passiflora caerulea
- Passiflora lutea
References
- “Passiflora tarminiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h590.
- “Passiflora tarminiana.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:67070-1.
- “Banana Passionfruit (Passiflora tarminiana).” California Rare Fruit Growers, www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/banana-passionfruit.html.
