Passiflora tarminiana (Introduced)

Passiflora tarminiana Coppens & V. E. Barney, Novon 11: 9 (2001) ;
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S. Mexico to Venezuela and Peru: Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Peru, Venezuela; Introduced into: Azores, Bolivia, California, Canary Is., Hawaii, Madeira, Mexico Central, Sri Lanka as per POWO;
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As per link, P. tarminina is distinguished from P. tripartita var. mollissima by a number of features. P. tarminina has small deciduous stipules while P. tripartita var. mollissima has larger, persistent stipules. The sepals and petals in P. tarminina are perpendicular to the floral tube or are reflexed, whereas they are never so open in P. tripartita var. mollissima. They are also both much shorter in relation to the length of the floral tube in P. tripartita var. mollissima than in P. tarminina.
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Passiflora species-2. – efloraofindia | Google Groups: Botanical gardens, Sanfrancisco, California– 10.10.09;

573 ID climber Passifloraceae: 8 high res. images.
Please ID wild climber,
Location: Kodaikanal Tamil Nadu INDIA
Altitude: 7200fsl
Flower date: 09APR2024, 12.30pm
Habitat: wild moisture misty sloppy canopied alpine
Plant habit: liana climber, branches, weak cylindrical fleshy stem, tendrils, perennial
Height: 12 meters
Host tree:
Leaves: alternate tripartite acute leathery smooth glossy serrated margins
Flower: axillary buds, diameter:08cm
Fruit: green into purplish obovoid size:15x06cm
Seed:
Camera: CANON EOS1500D +FL10x

Passiflora mollissima (Kunth) L.H.Bailey

Yes, it is Passiflora mollissima dear …, thank you very much for ID my plant

As per link, P. tarminina is distinguished from P. tripartita var. mollissima by a number of features. P. tarminina has small deciduous stipules while P. tripartita var. mollissima has larger, persistent stipules. The sepals and petals in P. tarminina are perpendicular to the floral tube or are reflexed, whereas they are never so open in P. tripartita var. mollissima. They are also both much shorter in relation to the length of the floral tube in P. tripartita var. mollissima than in P. tarminina.
In view, Your posted plant should be P. tarminina

Thank you very for the well explained ID clarification of my plant with including plant’s relevant information link.

Passiflora mollissima ID#573:
Someone comment it as Passiflora tarminiama, the Google images are also confirming it, please check screenshot.

I guess so.

Some guys comments it as P. tarminiama. Please take a look.

Thank you very for the well explained ID clarification of my plant with including plant’s relevant information link.

Passiflora tarminiana Coppens & V.E.Barney :: The Nilgiris :: Jan 28, 2026 · 10:40 AM IST: 3 images.

Passiflora tarminiana Coppens & V.E.Barney

The Nilgiris :: Jan 28, 2026 · 10:40 AM IST
along Ooty – Kotagiri Highway, about 2265 m asl

I think it is https://efloraofindia.com/efi/passiflora-tripartita-var-mollissima/ as per keys herein.

Stipules: P. tarminiana has small stipules that often fall off (deciduous). P. mollissima has much larger, ear-shaped stipules that stay on the plant (persistent).
Ear-shaped stipules are not seen in the posted plant.

Leaf Texture: The upper surface of P. tarminiana leaves is typically hairless (glabrous), while P. mollissima leaves are usually hairy on both sides.
Upper surface of leaves in the posted plant are not seen hairy

I strongly think posted plant is P. tarminiana

What about
The sepals and petals in P. tarminina are perpendicular to the floral tube or are reflexed, whereas they are never so open in P. tripartita var. mollissima.

I assume that the flower has lost its glory, therefore we see it withered. In this situation, In case of ambiguity, I think it is best to look at the stipules and hairiness of the leaves.

Since both species have naturalized in the Nilgiris, and it is known that these species hybridize among each other, it is better to lean towards P. tarminiana.

References:
POWO Catalogue of Life Flora of North America Flowers of India Wikipedia PFAF Useful Tropical Plants iNaturalist

Updated on March 1, 2026

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