Passiflora tripartita aka Banana Poka

Passiflora tripartita is an evergreen climber in the passionflower family. It also has the common name tacso. Kew places its native range from Panama to Venezuela and Bolivia. Useful Tropical Plants gives a narrower range, focused on Ecuador. That source records it in the mountains of central Ecuador. It grows wild and people also raise it for fruit. Kew links the species with a wet tropical climate.

The plant forms a climbing shrub that keeps its leaves year-round. Its stems can reach about 16 feet [5 metres] long. Useful Tropical Plants lists its height as 13 feet [4 metres]. These figures describe height and stem length, rather than spread. Stems can trail across the ground or climb nearby plants. Coiled tendrils grip the growth around them and hold them up. This climbing habit lets the plant grow through nearby vegetation. The supplied species account gives no leaf shape or flower colour.

The fruit provides the main recorded use for this species. People gather it from wild plants for local food. Growers also raise it in parts of the tropics. Sellers offer the fruit in South American local markets. People eat it fresh or turn it into juice. It also serves as an ingredient in ice cream. The species account reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish that every plant part is safe. The evidence supports fruit use, not use of leaves or stems.

This tropical plant grows at heights above 7,874 feet [2,400 metres]. It needs around 16°C or more during flowering for fruit set. The species account reports tolerance of brief lows near −5°C. This does not establish a garden hardiness zone. Dry spells longer than about four weeks do not suit it. Give it moist soil that drains well and contains humus. A site with broken shade lets stems climb toward sunlight. It favours soil near neutral, rather than strong acid or alkaline conditions.

The plant tolerates pruning, including a cut back to ground level. The source describes this as a way to renew growth. Its fruit crop and climbing form are its clearest garden roles. The evidence gives no species-specific pest list or disease warning. It also gives no firm bloom season or growth rate.