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Musa balbisiana

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
MOO-sah bal-BISS-see-an-nah
Description

This herbaceous perennial is a member of the banana family (Musaceae). The genus name is derived from the Arabic name for the fruit, mauz

Plantains are a type of herbaceous pernnial tree from tropical Asia.  They grow quickly to a height of 18 feet in large clumps of psudo trunks that can reach a diameter of 15 inches.  Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist well drained soil.  This plant is no frost tolerant so will die back to the ground in winter in North Carolina.

Propagate this plant by division.  The large leaves of this plant grow tattered in windy areas.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Juniper Level Botanic Garden: Banana Beds
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#large leaves#fast growing#edible tree#tropical tree
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#large leaves#fast growing#edible tree#tropical tree
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Musa
    Species:
    balbisiana
    Family:
    Musaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Leaves used as plates or to wrap food.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern tropical Asia
    Edibility:
    Fruits are edible when cooked when ripe. Undergound stems are also eaten as a vegetable. Male flower clusters and inner stem are cooked and used in curries.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 9 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Tree
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Large
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Edible Garden