Faipule

/faɪˈpuːl/ noun

Definition

A tropical plant (Passiflora edulis) with edible purple fruit; also known as passion fruit.

Etymology

From Polynesian or Samoan 'fai' (passion fruit) combined with 'pule' or similar elements. The word reflects Pacific Islander languages and the biodiversity of tropical regions.

Kelly Says

The word 'faipule' is a linguistic window into how English absorbed indigenous plant names from across the Pacific—it reminds us that many common foods have non-European names that preserve the botanical knowledge of Pacific cultures.

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