Banana Passionfruit

Banana passionfruit is a vigorous, smothering climber that originates from tropical North and South America. It covers native trees and shrubs on forest margins and its seed is dispersed as part of a fleshy fruit. This fleshy fruit is eaten by birds and possums. Its presence will ruin the appearance of the forest landscape.

Banana passionfruit is recognised as a weed in Hawaii, USA and Victoria, Australia. It is widespread and abundant in New Zealand's North Island and localised infestations are spread throughout the South Island, although it is absent south of Dunedin. It is widespread in the inner Marlborough Sounds and localised infestations exist in the outer Sounds.