Musa Balbisiana

Description

This attractive ornamental banana palm bears flowers growing in bright inflorescences coloured from red to maroon, whilst the fruits are between blue and green and are considered inedible because of the seeds they contain. Native to eastern South Asia, northern South east Asia and southern China, it is one of the ancestors of modern cultivated bananas along with Musa acuminata and is eminently suitable for cool conservatories or to be overwintered in a frost-free greenhouses. The clumps of lush, dark foliage make it ideal for creating a jungle landscape as the foliage tends to be more upright than most cultivated banana reaching its full height in about one year. In Thai folklore it is believed that banana plants may be inhabited by a spirit, Nang Tani a type of ghost related to trees and similar plants and which manifests itself as a young woman.

Sowing Advice

Abrade a small portion of each seed with sand paper or on a rough brick or similar, then soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing 2cm deep in a good loamy compost. Keep in a propagator or warm place, at between 20 and 25 degrees C, and do not exclude light. Germination can be erratic, usually taking between 2 to 12 months, sometimes longer, so do not discard the seed pots. Pot on small plants frequently in a coarse loose compost to achieve huge plants very quickly.

Key Facts