Banana Tree

Banana Tree - Musa Acuminata

A plant of Musa Acuminata (edible banana)

Musa acuminata is not a tree, but a perennial herb. Its leaves are usually grouped together, forming a trunk-like structure (pseudostem). The origin of bananas is believed to be Malaysia or India

Banana trees can flower at any time of the year: the fruits usually develop in a horizontal fashion, which then becomes vertical when the weight of the bananas is sufficient. From the moment the inflorescence is visibile from the leaf sheaths, about three months are necessary for it to mature

Banana trees are best cultivated in a highly organic soil, with a neutral to slightly acid PH (5.5-7.0). A lot of water is usually needed for the plant to grow and yield bananas. The size of the plant in the first 3-4 months greatly affects the weight of the bunch and number of "hands" (the group of bananas).

Young plants are best nourished with a fertilizer solution of 6-2-12, with 3% magnesium. The solution is to be applied approximately every 2 months, and the fruiting will be complete after about 10-18 months later

Since this herb is sterile, the only way of propagating it is by the removal of suckers from the original plant