Edible Banana
Musa acuminata
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, Borneo, China, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam
Ong Jyh Seng (www.inaturalist.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Musaceae
- Genus:
- Musa
- Species:
- Musa acuminata
- USDA Symbol:
- MUAC
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Pyroderces badia
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bats
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils with high organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require warm temperatures (75-95°F) and consistent moisture. Fresh seeds germinate better; soaking for 24-48 hours improves germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI