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MUSA
(Banana)
We may not have to tell you what a banana is, but you might be surprised
at where you can grow some of them.
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Musa
basjoo is an ornamental species that produces inedible,
fibrous fruit, giving it the name Japanese Fiber Banana.
The amazing trait of this plant is its ability to withstand cold.
Though it dies to the ground in freezing temperatures, it will resprout
in the spring, if thoroughly mulched, after withstanding temperatures
as low as -20F. Thus you can grow banana plants in Des Moines and
Schenectady. Grows to 12-18', depending on climate (gets a late
start in the coldest climates, and stays smaller). An overlooked
feature of this plant is its attractive flowering stalk. Also works
as an indoor container plant. Ryuku Islands, Japan.
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Musa
laterita is not a hardy type, but is notable for its extreme
upright habit, that is, the leaves don't spread, but point upwards.
It also has an interesting inflorescence of a brick-red color, similar
to the color of the tropical soil type laterite, which gives the
banana its name. Yet another unique feature of this species is the
way it spreads: most bananas sucker at the base, forming a clump,
but M. laterita suckers at the ends of long rhizomes, so the clump
is much more open. This is a dwarf plant to about 6', and is not
hardy outdoors in most of the US, but does well in a pot despite
its spreading habit. Zone 10. India, Myanmar.
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Musa
sikkimensis (syn. M. hookeri) has been claimed by
some to be as hardy or hardier than Musa basjoo, a claim
we do not support. It is, however, hardy to zone 8, possibly 7,
and can be more attractive than M. basjoo. It is also somewhat
larger and, although getting off to a slower start, overtakes M.
basjoo in midsummer. Leaves may or may not have the purple
markings and undersides shown at left. The markings may also be
limited to juvenile leaves. Mature leaves retain a red midrib. This
banana is from 4000-6000' in the Himalayas, where it is exposed
to frost and snow. Leaves are thicker and tougher than most bananas,
and therefore less prone to shred in wind. Fruits are not considered
edible.
Musa sikkimensis 1-2' plants $12.00 Limit
3
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Musa
velutina is a zone 8-hardy Pink Flowering Banana
that is suitable for either landscape or container growing. With
pink flowers, light red stalks, and lavender fruits, it's about
as colorful as bananas get. A dwarf to 6 or 7' from northeast India,
it will flower in a pot, and readily produces offshoots and abundunt
seeds. Fruits are not edible.
Musa velutina
4" pot $10.00
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