Edible banana - Musa acuminata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Edible)

Edible banana

Also known as: Monkey banana, Wild banana

Edible banana (Musa acuminata) is an edible evergreen perennial plant native to Southwest Asia. Some people may perceive edible banana to be a tree, but it is a perennial plant. Edible banana is one of the earlier domesticated plants by humans in the history of evolution. The cultivation of these plants for fruit is a major industry. They are also cultivated as ornamental plants.

Scientific classification

Species

Edible banana (Musa acuminata)

Gingers, bananas, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow, Brown, Red, Black, Copper, Burgundy, Gold

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Cream, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Purple, Black

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Edible banana

Distribution of Edible banana

Distribution Map

Edible banana is an important tropical food crop native to shaded and moist rainforests in India and Southeast Asia. This plant has also been introduced as a cultivated crop to seven other nations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Shaded and moist ravines, marshlands, semi-marshlands, slopes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

While edible banana is mostly an agricultural food crop, surprisingly it will also thrive in sunny domestic gardens. It can be grown in containers or as a specimen plant, where its height and remarkable large leaves will make it a striking visual feature for tropical gardens. Plant with Hibiscus, Crape myrtle, or Alocasia to complete the effect.

Symbolism

Fertility, Potency, Prosperity

Interesting Facts

Edible banana was one of the earliest plants cultivated for human agriculture and other purposes. Technically an herb and not a tree, edible banana may have also been cultivated as a source of wood and fiber. They were probably first cultivated in Southeast Asia. A hybrid of Musa acuminata is known as a plantain, and is typically cooked before being eaten.

Name Story

Edible banana: This plant is a banana species that is native to Southeast Asia. Many of the modern edible banana-based desserts come from this species. To differentiate this banana species from the inedible ones, it is then called edible banana.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Edible banana, including the following common varieties :

Stripe-Leaved Banana Cavendish banana

Quickly Identify Edible banana

Towering stalks up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) high

Pointed leaves reaching 9 feet (2.75 meters) in length

Purple-tinged bracts develop elongated fruit clusters

Fruit measures 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) with yellow peel

Seedless, creamy-white flesh with easy-to-peel textured skin

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Care Guide for Edible banana

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from tropical regions, edible banana thrives in high moisture environments. It prefers consistently moist soil and requires weekly watering to avoid waterlogging. As an evergreen, maintaining a regular watering schedule year-round is essential for healthy growth and sustained foliage.

Fertilize: For edible banana, use high phosphorus fertilizers for root and flowering development, and balanced fertilizers for leaf growth. Fertilize every two months in the growing season, then quarterly. Apply 1-2 lbs per plant, adjusting for age, and water thoroughly to ensure nutrient uptake. Avoid over-fertilization.

Pruning: Edible banana needs early summer pruning to remove dead leaves and spent flower stalks, enhancing airflow and directing energy to new growth. Maintain a single trunk and manage suckers by keeping one strong shoot, improving fruit quality and overall plant health.

Propagation: Edible banana is propagated through division by separating healthy suckers or pups from the parent plant. These offshoots should be planted at the correct depth in well-drained, organic-enriched soil. Consistent moisture and wind protection are essential for successful early growth.

Repotting: Repot edible banana every 2-3 years in spring to support its rapid growth. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage for the pseudostem. After repotting, place in bright light and ensure consistent watering for recovery and health.

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Images of Edible banana

Distribution of Edible banana

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Edible banana

Care Guide for Edible banana

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