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Originally Posted by palmtree
First is this "thai black stem banana" the same as a "thai black banana" and is a "thai black banana" the same as Musa balbisiana??
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There is no official way to deem if different names are the same plant, but chances are that those two names refer to the same plant. It is definitely a type of M. balbisiana, but is not synonymous with M. balbisiana. There are many many different forms of M. balbisiana, this is just one.
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Originally Posted by palmtree
Also how rare is this banana?
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It's rather new to the market but easy to obtain, so not generally rare.
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Originally Posted by palmtree
And how cold tolerant is this banana? I hear Musa balbisiana can survive down to a zone 7.
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M. balbisiana tends to be rather drought and cold hardy species, but there are many different varieties which can act differently.
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Originally Posted by palmtree
What is the growth rate of this banana?
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Probably fairly standard given normal conditions.
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Originally Posted by palmtree
Does it grow too fast for pots or will pots stunt its growth? (I would prefer it to grow to its full potential).
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Unless your pot is so large that is simulates planting in the ground, containers will always restrict growth. The only practical way to have it be at its full potential is to have it in the ground and allow it grow without or with very little stopping pretty much all year. Anything less will result in lesser growth, but not necessarily unimpressive growth, it still may turn out to be a very nice plant.
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Originally Posted by palmtree
Lastly is the fruit edible?
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No, not in the sense that the term "edible" is used with bananas. If it flowers, it will either not set at all or be filled with seeds depending on many factors.