Chironex

Erland, I too have thought about banana eating animals and what enzymes, acids, proteins are in their gut. What other animals eat and distribute banana seeds? What animals in PNG eat Ingen bananas? Once we research tis, I bet we find the answers!
I wonder what ph ranges a seed would pass through from mouth to feces? How long exposed to that ph and chemical cocktail? Considering that these seeds are the freshest in nature, when is the optimal time for germination following fertilization while still attached to the plant?
We just had a very interesting chat yesterday in the chatroom. Gabe mentioned that he found that the Ingens seeds he has are afflicted with a fungus that has penetrated the integument and embryo, despite the plug remaining intact! Pauly theorized that perhaps a symbiotic relationship may exist. Perhaps this fungus has something to do with breaking dormancy? I will do some research on the indigenous fauna of PNG to see which includes bananas in their diet. Then I will see if there is any information about their digestive characteristics. Who knows?

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Scot


"Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"