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View Full Version : Banana ID


tikifarmer
07-03-2007, 09:17 AM
On Saturday I picked up these banana plants . I think I got a pretty good deal at $29.95 each . The problem is I do not know what they are . I guess they could be Musa Basjoo but, I don't really know how to tell . I have a few small Musa Basjoo and the leaves seem to be a bit more pointed with a bit of red on center rib , more noticeable on the youngest leaves . I read something about the petioles being winged where the leaf attaches , not sure what that means exactly . The guy I bought them from said the mother plant that these originally came from had fruited but, I didn't ask if it was edible . I guess if I can't figure this out I will need to dig them out and store them inside over the winter . Sorry the pictures aren't the greatest .
Anyone have any ideas ? :islandsharkbanana:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/P1010002.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/P1010004.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q111/mechaneer/P1010006.jpg

MediaHound
07-03-2007, 10:22 AM
Maybe Orinoco but please post pics when the first one blooms, looks like it won't be much longer of a wait, too.. looking at their size.

xyzzy
07-03-2007, 01:04 PM
Doesn't look like basjoo. Don't think they are that.

Not sure what they are though. There isn't much to go by. The stems are narrow for their height and lush green stems, so they could be M Itinerans. The leaf separation and way the leaves hang look like M Itinerans. I wouldn't have expected that to flower though - unless the mum had once been twice that height of course! and the winged petioles don't match.

So that has me thinking Is it M. x paradisiaca (some seem to have winged petioles and some not)or other plantain?

Come on MediaHound I am sure you can solve this one?

M x Paradisiaca
http://celtlore.co.uk/garden/backgarden/parad.jpg

Some of the ornamentals are green stemmed and spindly and of course it could be a cross bred.

Can we have some clearer photos e.g taken in daylight and closer up.

MediaHound
07-03-2007, 05:51 PM
:)
I'm sticking with Orinoco for now :)

tikifarmer
07-04-2007, 07:40 PM
I'll try and get some better photos ...

Gabe15
07-05-2007, 08:10 PM
Its an edible variety for sure, reminiscent of 'Ice Cream' or 'Orinoco' as mentioned before, but don't take my word for it, a flower will tell all. It will not be hardy so you will need to bring them in.