Banana

Musa balbisiana

Native to:
Andaman Is., Bismarck Archipelago, China, Hainan, India, Japan, Jawa, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Musaceae
Genus:
Musa
Species:
Musa balbisiana
USDA Symbol:
MUBA

Growth Characteristics

Height:
900 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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bats

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Thrives in fertile, alluvial soils; often found in riverbanks.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with scarification or soaking in warm water for 24-48 hours. Fresh seeds have higher viability; bottom heat improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI