Banana passionfruit

Not to be confused with passionfruit you buy in the stores, banana passionfruit is a serious invader of native bush, recreational and waste areas, road and rail corridors, riverbanks and farmland throughout our region.

Credit: Weedbusters

‘Banana passionfruit gets points for its edible fruit and lack of thorns, but is a very fast growing, invasive weed that can climb into the canopy area and smother plants.  Fortunately, it is easy to control if you can get to the roots.’

Katrina Merrifield, Biosecurity Advisor at GWRC

Why is it bad?

Banana passionfruit is frost and semi-shade tolerant, a prolific seeder and a vigorous climber. A single vine can reach heights of fifteen metres and cover more than 100 square metres. It smothers trees and can cause the canopy to collapse, destroying the habitat of native fauna.

How to tackle it

We control banana passionfruit in our region's Key Native Ecosystems to protect each site’s unique plants and animals. You can control this pest on your property by:

• Pulling out – roots and all
  Pull roots up or cut off above ground (all year round). Roots are normally easy to pull out.
• Spraying Use herbicide only when roots cannot be pulled. Cut trunks near to the ground, and swab the freshly cut stump with herbicide. See Weedbusters for advice on which herbicides to use. Be sure to closely follow all label instructions.

How to stop it coming back

Once the area is fully clear, plant and mulch to minimise regrowth and support local biodiversity – the plants and animals that naturally occur in the area.

If herbicides have been used, read the label for information about when to replant.

Check the site regularly for seedlings and continue to clear any regrowth.

More information

• Weedbusters
• What to plant at your place
• Bionet - information about pests and disease in New Zealand