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Bamboo Conne'iseur
08-04-2007, 02:03 PM
It seems my hopes have been dashed in regards to the gigantea form of Musa itenerans. From what I have gathered so far, either it does not exist in the U.S yet, or it is extremely hard to find. What is supposed to be this, is really another type. So my question is, what is the largest banana or plantain that one can get right now? Does it come even close to the max. height (supposedly) of 40 feet like the gigantea is reputed to grow to? I am looking for some wow specimens to go along with my monster bamboos. Thanks you for any input.

Gabe15
08-04-2007, 02:12 PM
The biggest one thats easy to get, and easy to find true to type is Musa 'Saba'. I've seen them easily get 25ft or more, and are said to be capable of 40ft, although I have not seen this. They also get very wide pseudostems and definetly give the impression of an oversized plant.

Bamboo Conne'iseur
08-04-2007, 02:15 PM
Very nice, thank you. I will have to look into possibly getting this one. Are there any large sized one that have nice colors on the pseudostems? I forget which one, but I did see a nice looking banana on this forum that had a nice purple color to it.

bigdog
08-04-2007, 08:08 PM
Aaron, the Musa itinerans you refer to is Musa itinerans var. xishuangbannaensis, and it does exist here in the U.S., although it isn't easy to come by. It does get quite tall in the wild, upwards of 35 feet or even more. Here's mine from a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=4207&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4207&ppuser=49)

Saba would be your best bet. Kandrian is also a beast.

Bamboo Conne'iseur
08-04-2007, 08:18 PM
Nice plant Big Dog. I noticed I can get what you are talking about on seedman, but I was not sure if it is what the site says it is. Maybe I should just go ahead and get several of the large types.

microfarmer
08-04-2007, 08:25 PM
Yes, if you're like me, I do not think you'll truly be happy until you do get several types...:bananarow:

How 'bout the musa Ingens? http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2452&cat=510

AnnaJW
08-04-2007, 10:12 PM
Yes, if you're like me, I do not think you'll truly be happy until you do get several types...:bananarow:

How 'bout the musa Ingens? http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2452&cat=510


Oh, I would SOOOOOOOO love one or more of those! :2784:

Bamboo Conne'iseur
08-04-2007, 11:03 PM
That one does look BIG. I will have to consider that one for sure...
Thanks for the help, and hopefully I will get a few different large sized ones. I know bananas certainly size up fast here, so I got high hopes that I can get a large one in a couple of years or so.

mrbungalow
08-05-2007, 06:15 AM
Beeing a highland species, Musa Ingens has exceptionally difficult cultural environments, and does not grow in climates that doesn't experience cool nights and moderately warm, misty days. Also, it's virtually impossible from seed.

For a gigantic banana-plant, I would consider Musa Boman instead, if you can get your hands on some seeds. This one is also native to Papua New Guinea, but grows in the hotter lowlands and has easier cultural requirements.

Erlend

Bamboo Conne'iseur
08-05-2007, 02:38 PM
Thank you for the heads up. That is very important to know. There are several types of mountain bamboos that are the same way, and if I attempt to grow them here, they will perish in the Florida heat.