Dean, I believe meristem is the pseudo-stem,,,, or the "trunk" of the tree,,, or plant,, or herb, or whatever it is you like to call the banana tree. JP is talking about cutting the tree down to ground level, just above the corm to induce pup/sucker production.
Thanks for the very thoughtful responses everyone.
It seems to me, if you have the trees to spare and the gumption, and you would like to acquire more trees, then in the spring-time, "assuming you live in a climate where trees go dormant in winter" one tree ought to be cut down to ground level as JP talked about and induced to produce only pups and no fruit or stem.
This makes sense to me as it leaves a lion share of the growing season for these pups to reach some level of maturity. In addition to that, it seems a very productive way of utilizing the plant. Just like harvesting pups to promote plant growth and fruiting,accept in this case, you the harvest pseudo-stem to promote pup production.
I think I'll try this. In addition, I'll be looking into pup and corm division.
I'll take pictures and post results either way.
Either way,,,, Happy Bananaing!!!
