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View Full Version : Reliable source for Micronesian Karat?


dekkard
12-04-2011, 04:25 PM
Does anyone know of a reliable source for a banana known as Karat from Micronesia? Would like to add it to our garden if possible.

venturabananas
12-04-2011, 06:25 PM
My understanding is that Karat is a Fe'i banana. These seem to only exist on various tropical islands in the Pacific, from what I can tell. From what I've heard, they really need tropical conditions, and so attempts to grow them outdoors in the US mainland, for example, have basically failed.

dekkard
12-05-2011, 08:50 PM
Thanks for the feedback. I am aware of their zone requirements, but I am not too worried about the climate issue as we already have some other tropical plants in a greenhouse. I am mostly concerned about getting good stock right from the start.

momoese
12-05-2011, 09:23 PM
There is no reliable source that I know of. Lois passed away recently and things have changed due to politics. You'll most likely need to travel there and bring it home.

BananaAddict
12-15-2011, 05:49 AM
You may contact Adelino Lorens at Agriculture Pohnpei on pniagriculture@mail.fm

RAINFOREZT
12-15-2011, 09:04 AM
Thanks for Your post.. its make me aware about these varieties..

http://www.wphna.org/downloadsnov2011/Lois%20Englberger%20Pohnpei%20bananas.pdf

I never know there is an island called Micronasia...Thank you.

momoese
12-15-2011, 11:18 AM
Btw several Karat Tc's did not make it here in LA. Not at my house but not far from here.

Gabe15
12-15-2011, 11:46 AM
Fe'i bananas are also often very slow, even when they are in good conditions. Many cultivars take 2-3 years of non-stop tropical conditions to flower.