Banana passionfruit (curuba) Passiflora tripartita
Banana passionfruit (curuba) (Passiflora tripartita) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Passifloraceae family, native to Andes of Colombia to Bolivia. It grows 3–7 m (10–23 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Banana passionfruit (curuba) in your garden →
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Banana passionfruit (curuba) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Passifloraceae |
| Mature height | 3–7 m (10–23 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | about 34–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp (juice, sorbet) |
| Native to | Andes of Colombia to Bolivia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Invasive in | New Zealand, Hawaii: check local rules before planting |
Is Banana passionfruit (curuba) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Passion-vine leaves contain cyanogenic compounds.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Banana passionfruit (curuba)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Banana passionfruit (curuba)
- How far apart should I plant Banana passionfruit (curuba)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Banana passionfruit (curuba) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Banana passionfruit (curuba) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Banana passionfruit (curuba)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Banana passionfruit (curuba) flower?
- About 34–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Banana passionfruit (curuba) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Passion-vine leaves contain cyanogenic compounds.
- What grows well with Banana passionfruit (curuba)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Banana passionfruit (curuba). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Catálogo de plantas y líquenes de Colombia, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Pendant pink trumpet flowers and yellow banana-shaped fruit. A serious forest invader in New Zealand and Hawaii: do not plant there.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Passion fruit Passiflora edulis
- Blue passion flower Passiflora caerulea
- Sweet granadilla Passiflora ligularis
- Giant granadilla (badea) Passiflora quadrangularis
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus