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MediaHound
11-29-2006, 10:10 AM
What do we know of Musa 'Red Jewel', the Red Jewel banana?

I've read that the leaves will have red undersides and red streaks on top, and the pseudostem is red is well.
I can report the same as far as the pseudostem goes, but the leaves on mine have yet to show much red. (mine are still small ~1' tissue cultured pups from Agri-starts)

I read they grow to about 12' and that they're a cross between a "Christmas banana" and Cavendish type. Do we know more than this?

I found this photo of one in flower
http://photobucket.com/albums/v417/johndeltav/NorthTexas/?action=view&current=P2180312.jpg

But what do we know as far as the fruit goes? Will they be seeded or seedless? edible?

All info appreciated :)

JoeReal
11-29-2006, 10:36 AM
the inflorescence seems to indicate that it is more of an ornamental banana rather than a serious edible banana, but then again, the pic as shown doesn't seem to fit the description you mentioned. So the pic could be mislabeled, or the description you've read is wrong.

Gabe15
11-29-2006, 11:19 AM
joe is correct, that photo is of a Rhodochlamys Musa, not anything like what would be a Eumusa (acuminata type), which is what the description is. I also have a few of these but they are still very small.

MediaHound
11-29-2006, 12:40 PM
I'm actually glad to hear that that's not a correct photo.