Passiflora tripartita

Native to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá, Peru, and Venezuela, this is a vine in the Passifloraceae family. It is a fast-growing evergreen climber of high-elevation habitats, with large mid-pink flowers. With a history of cultivation dating back to pre-Columbian times, offering sweet edible orange-colored pulp nestled within a yellow-orange exterior​. One of the attributes of the Banana Passionfruit is its antioxidant capacity along with a rich content of flavonoids and phenolics. These compounds are known for their health-promoting properties. For instance, the antioxidant capacity can be a shield against oxidative stress, a contributor to chronic diseases. Moreover, flavonoids and phenolics are celebrated for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, among others. Photographed in the eastern Andes of Colombia.