Passiflora mollissima is a species of passionfruit plant native to South America. Its name is derived from the Latin word "passio" meaning "suffering" and "flora" meaning "flower", indicating the supposed resemblance of the flower to the instruments of the Crucifixion. The species epithet "mollissima" comes from the Latin word for "soft" or "gentle". The IPA phonetic transcription of Passiflora mollissima is /pæsɪˈflɔːrə mɒˈlɪsɪmə/, with stress on the second syllable of each word.
Passiflora mollissima, commonly known as banana passionfruit or tumbo, is a tropical vine species of the Passifloraceae family. Native to the Andean region in South America, particularly in Ecuador and Peru, it has since been widely cultivated in various regions across the world.
The passiflora mollissima plant features heart-shaped leaves and produces large, oblong or banana-shaped fruit. The fruits usually have a yellow to orange skin and are filled with a pulpy, aromatic, and edible flesh that is bright orange to reddish-orange in color. The flavor profile of the fruit is described as a combination of sweet banana and passionfruit, hence its common name. It is highly fragrant and incredibly flavorful.
Due to its attractive appearance and pleasant taste, passiflora mollissima is commonly used in culinary preparations. The fruit can be consumed fresh, used to make refreshing beverages, or included in various desserts. Its pulp is often scooped out and added to salads, jellies, jams, ice creams, and cocktails for its distinctive flavor.
In addition to its culinary uses, the passiflora mollissima fruit is also known for its nutritional benefits. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and beneficial antioxidants, which are believed to contribute to overall health and well-being.
Overall, passiflora mollissima is a tropical vine that produces flavorful and aromatic fruits with numerous culinary and nutritional uses. Its delicious taste and nutritional value have made it a popular fruit in many regions of the world.
The word "Passiflora" has its etymology rooted in Latin. It is a combination of two words: "passio", meaning passion, and "floris", meaning flower. The name was given to this genus of flowering plants by Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who is considered the father of modern taxonomy. Linnaeus chose this name because he saw a resemblance between the structure of the flower and elements of the Passion of Christ, including the crown of thorns and the nails.
The term "Mollissima" is derived from the Latin word "mollis", meaning soft or downy. It is used as an adjective to describe the leaves or other parts of the plant as being soft or velvety.