Log in

View Full Version : Varieties with Red Midribs


andy17
05-21-2012, 11:53 PM
Hi everyone,
I have a quick question regarding banana identification. Are there any banana varieties that have blue-green leaves and a pinkish-red coloration only in the midribs? Thanks in advance for your help!

caliboy1994
05-22-2012, 12:08 AM
My Ice Cream has reddish pink midribs on emerging leaves, but that fades after the leaf emerges. Mysore has it on all leaves, as well as red varieties I believe. It could be a lot of things. Can you post a picture?

andy17
05-22-2012, 11:13 AM
@caliboy1994 Certainly! Right now the plant is really pretty young, but it's features continue to throw me off. A basjoo is definitely a consideration, but it's stems are whitish green (no wax though) and the leaves are blue-green rather than a jungle green. Banana Gallery - Mystery Banana (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=48890&cat=500&ppuser=13217)

caliboy1994
05-22-2012, 12:19 PM
It's really hard to tell at this stage. It will be easier to narrow things down once it gets bigger.

saltydad
05-22-2012, 01:07 PM
My Murelli starts with pink midribs and only a hint of red on the leaf. Later, of course, the leaf changes to beautiful!

caliboy1994
05-22-2012, 05:07 PM
I saw a few more pics of it and it looks like it might be a Basjoo.

andy17
05-23-2012, 12:23 PM
I saw a few more pics of it and it looks like it might be a Basjoo.

@caliboy1994 Thanks for your help! Are there any things that are characteristic of a basjoo that help distinguish it from edibles?

caliboy1994
05-23-2012, 12:35 PM
Yes. When it flowers, the bloom is a creamy yellow color instead of purple. Also, I've noticed on young TC plantlets there is a prominent red midrib. Also, the entire plant is a lot greener than edibles, and the petioles are all green instead of having some yellow in them like edibles. But I think that the thing you'll notice the most is the cold hardiness. :08:

andy17
05-24-2012, 02:02 PM
Yes. When it flowers, the bloom is a creamy yellow color instead of purple. Also, I've noticed on young TC plantlets there is a prominent red midrib. Also, the entire plant is a lot greener than edibles, and the petioles are all green instead of having some yellow in them like edibles. But I think that the thing you'll notice the most is the cold hardiness. :08:

@caliboy1994 This is really helpful! Thanks!