Banana Tree

​​Musa Hybrid

  • Common Name: Banana, Platáno, Banana Tree, Manzana, Cavendish
  • Scientific Name: Musa Hybrid
  • Family Name: Musaceae
  • Origin: Southeast Asia and the South Pacific
  • Height: Varies, 4 ½ to over 20 Feet
  • Width:  Varies, 2-15 feet
  • Growth: Generally fast growers
  • Zone: Bananas are tropical to semi-tropical. Depending on variety, in the US, they grow in zones 7-11.
  • Light Needs: Full sun
  • Salt Tolerance: Generally poor, extremely sensitive to salt stress.
  • Soil/PH/Texture: Slightly acidic to neutral pH; 5.5-6.5. Bananas prefer rich, well-draining, loamy soil.
  • Soil Moisture: Bananas require copious amounts of water.  
  • Drought Tolerance: Low, high water requirements.
  • Pests/Diseases: Nematodes, weevils, aphids, thrips. Anthracnose, crown rot.
  • Growing Conditions: Full sun, rich, well-drained soil.  Heavy feeders requiring monthly fertilization. Very frost sensitive, damage can occur below 32 degrees F.
  • Characteristics: Bananas are fast growing; height varies according to variety.  They have soft, thick stems and spread by suckers or underground roots to form a clump. Flower colors vary per variety, from yellows to dark purples. Non-ornamental types produce a   long, finger-like fruit. Most have a yellow skin and creamy white pulp with no seeds. Fruits are arranged on the stalk in clusters called hands with 6-25 bananas per hand. Fruiting generally requires two years without frost and fruit, once set, takes 120 days to ripen. The stunning leaves are long, broad, and coarse, easily tattered by wind. Plantains are also in the banana family. They are larger, not as sweet, and contain more starch than the common banana. They are usually eaten cooked or fried.
  • Propagation: Division of suckers, or pups, from mother plant. Tissue culture also done for commercial production. 
  • Wildlife: Birds and insects feed on nectar, bats, monkeys, and other wildlife consume the fruit.
  • Facts: With sufficient irrigation and fertilizer, banana plants are easy to grow and produce delicious fruit. They also add a tropical, lush dimension to the landscape.
  • Designer Considerations: There are several varieties of dwarf and ornamental bananas grown exclusively for their flowers and exotic tropical foliage.

Location

Pavilion, Walkways & Garden Areas

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Banana Tree

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