BANANA 'Sweet Plantain' --Musa balbisiana x. balbisiana--

An obscure but exciting banana native to India, Myanmar, Tibet, Sri Lanka and east to Papua New Guinea, Musa balbisiana is perhaps one of the progenitors of the commercial banana. It grows at some altitude so may tolerate cool conditions, but its main characteristic is its huge flower. As with others in the genus, rich soil is required for maximum growth, together with plenty of fertilizer and an adequate supply of water. Given these and some summer warmth, it is almost dangerously fast growing and can ultimately reach a height of nearly 10 m (33 ft.)!Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngLight shade in dry, hot climatesLight shade in all climatesFrost Tolerance LightWater Requirements HighWind Tolerance LowAppearanceGrowth Rate Very fastGrowth Form Palmlike TreeHerbaceous TreeOrnamental Value PrettyUsesProperties DeciduousEvergreenHazards Child and Pet FriendlyGardening LandscapingOrnamentalFood/Medicinal Edible Fruit