View Full Version : Hill Banana ("Pahari kela") from India
harveyc
01-05-2009, 03:21 AM
UPDATE June 3, 2009: Dr. Parmar has informed Chong and myself that he is not able to provide a phytosanitary certificate with shipments of these bananas. If your importation requires such a certifiate, please take this into consideration.
Dr. Parmar of India noticed my discussion of bananas in another discussion group and asked me to introduce this cold hardy banana discussed on a site he has started. You can view his site's information at HILL BANANA (http://www.fruitipedia.com/hill_banana.htm), but I will also post all of the information here as he has requested.
I have not seen this discussed here previously. Is anyone familiar with it?
http://www.fruitipedia.com/Image045.jpg
Family: Musaceae
Common name: Pahari kela
Hill banana is a plant of very common occurrence in the hills of North West India at elevations between 800 to 1500 m. This part has climate ranging between subtropical and temperate. The summer temperatures are around 30-32 C and the winter temperatures can go down upto -3 C. Many areas in this part also receive mild snow fall once or twice the season.
So hill banana is a very unusual banana. It is growing in this area which should not be a “banana area” considering the usual behavior of the common commercial banana varieties. It is certainly different in its behavior and has a trait of cold resistance.
Surprisingly, this banana is not known at all outside its habitat even in India.
Description:
The plants are of medium height banana plants and do not look different from the plants of commercial varieties so far as pseudostems and leaves are concerned. There is no apparent single distinguishing feature that might separate the hill banana from the commercial bananas.
http://www.fruitipedia.com/BunchEM.jpg http://www.fruitipedia.com/Sale.jpg
The fruits are thicker and larger sized than the common commercial cultivars like Poovan and Morataman. Bunches are, however, not very big. So this banana seems to be less productive. The reason for this difference may be the lack of care of plants. All the hill banana plants are growing just all by themselves and are not looked after at all. The productivity might improve if these plants are grown and looked after like cultivated plants.
The difference between a hill banana and commercial bananas, however, lies in pulp and fruit quality. The pulp of hill bananas is not as dry as that of commercial types. It is more watery and is less erect after peeling off the skin. It is somewhat leathery and does not break easily.
http://www.fruitipedia.com/Ripe%20fruits.jpg http://www.fruitipedia.com/Fruits%20open.jpg
Ripe fruits of hill banana
The taste is also slightly different. It is sweet but with a tinge of sourness.
There is feeling of heaviness in stomach after eating two fruits. So these bananas cannot be eaten as much as the commercial bananas.
Utilization:
The hill banana used to be the only banana available in the hills till 50 years ago when the other banana was not reaching there due to lack of roads and adequate goods transport facilities. So this was used like other bananas. Things changed drastically in India during the past 50 years and now the bananas from South and West India are available in the fruit shops of even every small village. So the hill banana is not in much demand now. Some fruits are still offered for sale at some places. This banana is also used for preparing a sweet vegetable curry eaten along with rice in the hills of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Cultivation:
Hill banana plants are still planted in the back yards of village homes. There are some important other uses of a banana tree besides food, especially in religious ceremonies. So this banana is going to stay in spite of the competition from commercial bananas from tropical parts.
This banana can be planted in the areas which are too cold for the commercial tropical banana varieties.
Hill banana is a valuable genetic resource and it should be utilized.
Thanks for viewing,
Harvey
chong
01-05-2009, 04:24 AM
Thanks for sharing this, Harvey. Very impressive banana! Though probably better for cooking if it leaves you with a heavy feeling. That is what happens when you eat raw Saba.
Quest for another banana?
asacomm
01-05-2009, 04:28 AM
This species seems to be very much interesting. There are so nice bananas
in India that can be grown in the marginal areas where I live.
But the question is how they can be obtained.
Thanks Harvey, this ones on my "must have" list. Cold tolerant and Hill's my last name!
harveyc
01-05-2009, 11:35 AM
If someone has an import permit, Dr. Parmar said he could send some corms summer. I don't feel like getting involved with that so I did not get into the cost. His contact information is located at It is being endeavored through this website to have basic introductory information about all the edible fruits of the world (http://www.fruitipedia.com/Request%20for%20articles.htm).
UPDATE: See comments down below at Hill Banana ("Pahari kela") from India - Bananas.org (http://www.bananas.org/showthread.php?p=60327#post60327) before contacting Dr. Parmar. We don't need a whole truckload of these plants shipped over here. ;)
Chironex
01-05-2009, 03:01 PM
Interesting banana Harvey, thanks for bringing it to our board. Cold-hardy edibles are on the top of so many members' lists.
harveyc
01-05-2009, 03:04 PM
Pete and I were chatting and we're thinking that Chong should import the banana and spread the cost out on a group purchase! ;)
Who else might be up for the task?
Chironex
01-05-2009, 03:08 PM
I am definitely in on this one!
Definately count me in, I'm good for whatever reasonable expense.:woohoonaner:
saltydad
01-05-2009, 03:33 PM
Definately count me in, I'm good for whatever reasonable expense.:woohoonaner:
Me too!
chong
01-05-2009, 04:03 PM
And the list goes on . . . . LOL!
D_&_T
01-05-2009, 04:15 PM
Would be interested depending on cost!
hatfam
01-05-2009, 06:41 PM
I too would be interested.
Thanks
Mark Hall
01-06-2009, 07:16 AM
If these can be sent across the pond, Count me in too please.
We are currently experiencing - 7 at the moment so cold hardy bananas would feel right at home.
Chironex
01-06-2009, 01:16 PM
If we can get these at a reasonable cost, I will be putting them into TC as soon as possible. I would think that we can send TC liners to you across the pond but have to do some more checking. Anyone know the rules?
buffy
01-07-2009, 08:53 AM
I sent an email to Dr. Parmar. I have eAuthentication, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get a permit.
harveyc
01-07-2009, 11:31 AM
Just a head's up to others. Chong, who has an import permit, has already been in contact with Dr. Parmar and has received a quote for services and estimated shipping costs. The harvest season for the pups is reported to be in June so we've got plenty of time. A few of us will probably front the costs for the import and Scot will put some into tissue culture so we can get these out to everyone who is interested. Hopefully, Scot can collect the money to recoup our costs (profit isn't our objective).
endeitz
01-07-2009, 11:40 AM
I know I got into this late, but I will also offer financial support for the chance to get my hands on a cold hardy-ish edible.
Cheers,
Ed.
51st state
01-07-2009, 03:40 PM
absolutely, count me in. Would be happy to fund a quantity for 'european distribution' I have a DEFRA permit so shipping in/out not a problem. I will ask my source in India if he is familiar with this cultivar.
51st state
01-07-2009, 04:02 PM
If we can get these at a reasonable cost, I will be putting them into TC as soon as possible. I would think that we can send TC liners to you across the pond but have to do some more checking. Anyone know the rules?
Hi Scot
the only comment would make here is that, in buying corms from local Indian Farmers/growers we are in a way giving back. As you know I don't disagree with TC. especially where growers seem unwilling to make plants available e.g. 'Natural Products'. I just think if the Indians are prepared to sell plants at a reasonable cost then that should negate the need for TC.
Chironex
01-07-2009, 04:09 PM
Hi Scot
the only comment would make here is that, in buying corms from local Indian Farmers/growers we are in a way giving back. As you know I don't disagree with TC. especially where growers seem unwilling to make plants available e.g. 'Natural Products'. I just think if the Indians are prepared to sell plants at a reasonable cost then that should negate the need for TC.
I agree with you, but the costs quoted so far have been excessive. If we can lower the cost per corm then it makes sense. TC comes in handy where import restrictions would not allow a corm to be shipped, but a certified clean plantlet from culture would be permitted.
51st state
01-07-2009, 04:26 PM
I've e mailed them, still awaiting a reply. my only doubt with this one is having google earthed 'Rampur' it would appear to be on the northern plains of Uttar Pradesh rather than an upland area like Kalimpong, so the hardiness may not be all it's cracked up to be. still, we'll see.
is anybody actually working in the states? you're all permanently online...
at least it's evening time over here but you lot have got no excuse:ha:
harveyc
01-07-2009, 08:55 PM
Kev, it doesn't exactly negate the need for TC as TC does help eliminate the risk of pests that might accidentally come along for a ride. I would personally prefer a TC plant over a plant from a source with unknown risks of pests. USDA inspectors can't find everything and some locations are more lax than others.
MediaHound
01-07-2009, 11:17 PM
Subscribing to thread... hope this pans out for everyone.
Tropicallvr
01-08-2009, 11:25 AM
I've e mailed them, still awaiting a reply. my only doubt with this one is having google earthed 'Rampur' it would appear to be on the northern plains of Uttar Pradesh rather than an upland area like Kalimpong, so the hardiness may not be all it's cracked up to be. still, we'll see.
is anybody actually working in the states? you're all permanently online...
at least it's evening time over here but you lot have got no excuse:ha:
That's what I was wondering- what state of India is it from? :)
[QUOTE=51st state;60354].
is anybody actually working in the states? you're all permanently online...
Good question , most days in between "putting out fires" every day I run to the computer to keep my "sanity".
Kalabrian
01-08-2009, 12:24 PM
Greetings to all
I personally tried to contact the Dr., but I did not receive any answer until now. Anyway I would like to participate in the purchase, even if I live in Europe, I think once the parcel reaches USA then it would be possible to buy it from one of you.
Blessings
Lagniappe
01-08-2009, 03:27 PM
:ha::ha::ha::ha::ha::ha:
Some of us are just plugged into the Matrix, it seems.[QUOTE=51st state;60354].
is anybody actually working in the states? you're all permanently online...
Good question , most days in between "putting out fires" every day I run to the computer to keep my "sanity".
edd82
01-09-2009, 06:25 AM
I live over in the UK too and would be happy to join in depending on costs. It would be great to get a cold hardy fruit barer over to the chilly UK.
Basjoofriend
01-17-2009, 11:07 AM
Hi,
I also want one or two, but Brazil does not permit imports of banana rhizomes. Perhaps lorax or anyone in South America can order some rhizomes for herself or himself and for me and send them further to my homekeeper to Brazil.
Best wishes
Basjoofriend
Michael_Andrew
01-17-2009, 12:33 PM
I'm interested also. Any idea on cost yet? I wonder if they can be grown from seeds? Looks like there are seeds in the picture of the one that's broke open.
r3tic
01-17-2009, 01:49 PM
This sounds like one I would definitely be interested in aquiring. If an order does take place, fill me in with the details.
harveyc
01-17-2009, 06:56 PM
Michael, I believe that this is a seedless banana. We are working on a group order and it will probably go into tissue culture and become more available after that. Pups get thinned in June so we need to be patient for a bit.
winsorw
01-17-2009, 08:48 PM
If anyone is making a list of people who want this banana, please include me too.
Thanks.
winsorw
01-18-2009, 10:35 PM
Has anyone tried to contact this place? They seem to have them in tissue culture?
Tissue culture plant nursery Banana, ornamental plants india (http://www.sribalajibiotech.com/products.htm)
chong
01-18-2009, 10:42 PM
Has anyone tried to contact this place? They seem to have them in tissue culture?
Tissue culture plant nursery Banana, ornamental plants india (http://www.sribalajibiotech.com/products.htm)
Thanks for the link. Funny they call it, "Virupakshi", not "Pahari Kela". I wonder if they're truly the same, and those are just regional names?
Chong
winsorw
01-18-2009, 10:53 PM
It seems that there are also different variations which they call 'ecotypes', one suitable for hill planting, another for plain planting.
MediaHound
01-18-2009, 10:54 PM
One thing is for certain though, is they also call it the same "Hill Banana".
Hill Banana (http://www.sribalajibiotech.com/hillBanana.htm)
Michael_Andrew
01-18-2009, 10:59 PM
I think it is a different banana. The TC Hill Banana is from the Lower Palani hills and Sirumalai hills of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu state in India.
The one this thread is about comes from hills of North West India it hints that it in the Himachal Pradesh region.
Michael_Andrew
01-18-2009, 11:01 PM
Thought this was interesting too:
Pahari Kela
Pahari is the local dialect
Kela is their common name for banana.
harveyc
01-18-2009, 11:13 PM
Chong, I can write Dr. Parmar if you want to ask him about this or you can, since you're working with him. Just let me know. I know Dr. Parmar only a little.
asacomm
01-19-2009, 06:25 PM
Harvey,
Please do write Dr. Parmar and ask him about the whole story of this agenda,
and do tell us what he says.
Thanks in advance.
Stan
harveyc
01-19-2009, 07:11 PM
Hello Stan,
I wrote Dr. Parmar late yesterday and he replied a short while later. He somewhat clarified some things but basically said that the suckers won't emerge until March and he asked us to wait until them to contact him again. Some of our members are working out the details to import plants and probably put it into tissue culture so that we have many more plants to spread the cost over to keep it reasonable for everybody. Until we get closer to the season to import them, we'll just have to be patient.
Thanks,
Harvey
Michael_Andrew
01-19-2009, 08:05 PM
Ok we can speculate on this all day long but I just love to research and this a forum. Anyhow I found this document about a road project in Himachal Pradesh. It runs between two towns named Ghumarwin elevation 790 (spelled Gumarwin in some places in the document) and Saraghat elevation 950. ON page 46 it list plant species along the road. A Musa species is listed. Evidently 4 plants along the route. At the Hill Banana web site it list a market where these bananas were being sold named Rampur. Well Ramptur elevation 2500 is just a little west of this location.
http://himachal.nic.in/hpridc/bioengineering_phase-2.pdf
Chironex
01-19-2009, 09:09 PM
The TC company in India calling theirs 'Virupakshi' says it is AAB (Pome) variety.
It will develop its characteristic aroma, only when cultivated in higher elevations.
As he stated "Actually this Hill Banana is called as VIRUPAKSHI and it is native of Sirumalai Hills near Kodaikanal in TamilNadu. This is cultivated in an elevation of 2500 to 2700 feet MSL. The fruit is a small fruitis Yellow in colour with thick Rind and sweater taste.
If you have got such Elevation in your country then you can cultivate the Hill Banana."
51st state
01-20-2009, 04:04 PM
word from India is that 'Pahari' means hill and 'Kela' means banana. they are checking but believe that this may be the same as M. Malbhog.
The plant mentioned and grown in Tamil Nadu may well be a hill banana, but, tamil nadu is really really hot so this is not likely to be cold hardy.
bigdog
01-20-2009, 04:13 PM
The fruit is a small fruitis Yellow in colour with thick Rind and sweater taste.
Oh gross. If it tastes like a sweater, I'm out! :ha:
51st state
01-20-2009, 04:16 PM
[QUOTE=Chironex;61872]Yellow in colour with thick Rind and sweater taste.
QUOTE]
I'll skip the nana that tastes of sweaters LOL :waving:
harveyc
01-20-2009, 04:25 PM
Me three! :) LOL
Lagniappe
01-20-2009, 05:29 PM
I'm sure they meant to spell socks.
chong
01-20-2009, 05:42 PM
The TC company in India calling theirs 'Virupakshi' says it is AAB (Pome) variety.
It will develop its characteristic aroma, only when cultivated in higher elevations.
As he stated "Actually this Hill Banana is called as VIRUPAKSHI and it is native of Sirumalai Hills near Kodaikanal in TamilNadu. This is cultivated in an elevation of 2500 to 2700 feet MSL. The fruit is a small fruitis Yellow in colour with thick Rind and sweater taste.
If you have got such Elevation in your country then you can cultivate the Hill Banana."
Las Vegas is pretty close, at 2028 feet above sea level! They should do well over there. Somehow, I was under the impression that LV is closer to 4000 ft.
Don't sweat the taste thing, Scot. I don't know about these other guys, but the inside of my wife's sweater tastes great when she's in it!
Chironex
01-20-2009, 05:47 PM
Las Vegas is pretty close, at 2028 feet above sea level! They should do well over there. Somehow, I was under the impression that LV is closer to 4000 ft.
Don't sweat the taste thing, Scot. I don't know about these other guys, but the inside of my wife's sweater tastes great when she's in it!
I think Vegas ranges from 2000 ASL down by Henderson where Pauly lives, up to 3,500 closer to the mountains.
In N Las Vegas, where I live, it's closer to 2,500 ASL.
Not too concerned about taste, just want to get something cold hardy that might do well here and try to cross it with something else or produce some sports.
Jack Daw
01-21-2009, 05:17 AM
This should make it clear:
Musa (AAB) group-Virupakshi Syn. Mala vazhai.
The hill banana is a speciality of Tamil Nadu. These are perennial bananas of high quality. There are two main types: Sirumalai and Virupakshi. Fruits of Sirumalai have better taste compared with Virupakshi. The average bunch weight is about 12 kg.
Chironex
01-21-2009, 05:38 AM
We should try to get both! Then we can decide which has a better taste and which one grows in colder areas vs hot areas.
Jack Daw
01-21-2009, 06:00 AM
We should try to get both! Then we can decide which has a better taste and which one grows in colder areas vs hot areas.
Agreed
Will hopefully get the Varu. version in March 20.
harveyc
02-28-2009, 01:58 AM
There is an article on pahari kela in the current issue of the California Rare Fruit Grower's Fruit Gardener by Dr. Parmar. There are also a couple of other articles on bananas unrelated to this thread.
Harvey
Basjoofriend
02-28-2009, 11:39 AM
Hi,
I'm in the moment in Brazil and could get Musa basjoo under difficulties to Brazil:waving:, it is a pup corm and could plant them in my new yard into the new group of the disease resistant new Brazilian cultivar Marivilha, so that my housekeeper will keep and wather it together the "Marvilha". I hope, it will regrow soon. I do plan cross it with hardier fruit bananas to get basjoo hardy fruit bananas. But it's impossible to import the Hill Banana from India to Brazil because of the import prohibition for bananas from 17th May 2005. But I will try to cross Musa basjoo with Musa "Prata", Helen's Hybrid", "Maravilha", "Jaipira" and sikkimensis. One friend from Vienna sent some basjoos and sikkimensis to me to Brazil, but not arrived yet. I hope, they will arrive here in the next days unharmed and without problems by the customs, here it is very hot and humid. To 34°C and overnight 23°C, tropical climate, rainforest climate. It often rains strong and often thunderstorms.
Best wishes
Basjoofriend
alpha010
02-28-2009, 01:14 PM
Please put me on the list for suckers or whatever we can get, this would be an awesome addition to my yard and my belly!
Kylie2x
02-28-2009, 04:48 PM
Very interesting read.. Great Job Harvey ~~~Chong and all.. I would be interested also..:goteam:
Kylie
chong
02-28-2009, 07:27 PM
There is an article on pahari kela in the current issue of the California Rare Fruit Grower's Fruit Gardener by Dr. Parmar. There are also a couple of other articles on bananas unrelated to this thread.
Harvey
Just to tickle the palate of those reading this thread, here is an excerpt from this month's CRFG magazine article:
"The pahari kela banana plant can be seen growing all over the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh at elevations between 2,000 and 5,000 feet. It is a medium-sized tree, usually attaining about 15 feet in height. Many people plant one or two around their homes and then simply leave them to nature, after which they continue growing and increasing in number. Consequently they are often found growing in groups around homes.
This area has mild summers with mean temperatures not exceeding 30 to 32C (86 to 90F). Winter temperatures at the coldest places in the region can drop as low as –3 to –5C (23 to 27F). Many of these areas also receive light snowfalls. To better visualize the clime, consider that some of the other fruits commonly grown in this region are Santa Rosa plums, New Castle apricots and July Elberta peaches."
Is this plant interesting enough or what?!!!
Michael_Andrew
02-28-2009, 07:45 PM
The more information we get the more convincing it is to me that this Hill Banana is not the Sirumalai or Virupakshi as some have implied. The descriptions are much closer to the M. Malbhog.
chong
02-28-2009, 07:55 PM
The more information we get the more convincing it is to me that this Hill Banana is not the Sirumalai or Virupakshi as some have implied. The descriptions are much closer to the M. Malbhog.
Another excerpt from the same article mentioned earlier:
"Although pahari kela means “hill banana,” it should not be confused with the variety described that way in some Indian books on fruits. The hill banana that is widely known by that common name is a variety of south India that is also known there by other names such as Virupakshi, Sirumalai and Vazamalai.
Fruits of the pahari kela banana are longer and thicker than common commercial bananas, excepting a few varieties with larger fruits which are found in South India. The pulp is sweet, occasionally with a little tinge of sourness, which actually makes them taste more pleasant. However the fruits of this banana are less dry, or one might say more watery, making them somewhat leathery. Peeled pahari kela fruits are comparatively firm and do not easily break into pieces as do the commercial bananas. Additionally, pahari kela fruit is considered to lay rather heavily in the stomach. One cannot eat four or five of these bananas, something that is possible with the commercial types. For most people, two would normally be the maximum that would be eaten at any one time."
I gotta check on M. Malbhog.
harveyc
03-01-2009, 12:28 AM
Hey, Chong, you're giving away the whole story! lol
I was lucky and did a 3 year renewal last December, electronic copies only, and later found out that they raised their rates after that.
I think they is certainly worth tryng. We're going to get Scot busy with his TC lab so there's enough for everybody! :)
Harvey
jasonlotp
03-02-2009, 04:29 PM
I read the article in CRFG Fruit Gardener and it piqued my interest in growing bananas and I joined this forum. I don't have any currently but would definitely like to get my hands on this type. It sounds like this banana could grow in almost any environment.
Michael_Andrew
03-02-2009, 04:49 PM
Hi Jason. Welcome to the forum. Well it don't sound even close to being as hardy as a basjoo but it does sound like it could be the most hardy of the edibles.
bigdog
03-03-2009, 01:57 AM
I'm actually more intrigued by the descriptions of the texture of the fruit than the cold-hardiness! It just sounds so much different from any other banana I've eaten, but I can imagine it in my head. Now I really want to try one! I tend to like the heavier fruits, like Durian, Mango, etc. A heavy banana sounds weird but neat. Sign me up for one!
Frank
chong
03-03-2009, 02:04 AM
I'm actually more intrigued by the descriptions of the texture of the fruit than the cold-hardiness! It just sounds so much different from any other banana I've eaten, but I can imagine it in my head. Now I really want to try one! I tend to like the heavier fruits, like Durian, Mango, etc. A heavy banana sounds weird but neat. Sign me up for one!
Frank
Try raw (uncooked) Saba. It is probably heavier than Pahari Kela. And it is rated for Zone 8.
Tog Tan
03-03-2009, 02:07 PM
Try raw (uncooked) Saba. It is probably heavier than Pahari Kela. And it is rated for Zone 8.
Chong, I eat quite alot of the Saba, known as Pisang Abu here and there's an even heavier one known as Pisang Nangka (as in Jackfruit) which is more aromatic. These are use basically for frying as they do not break up when cooked. Pisang Abu is the cheapest 'naner here due to its very thick skin (and I thought mine was thick):ha:
chong
03-03-2009, 02:47 PM
Chong, I eat quite alot of the Saba, known as Pisang Abu here and there's an even heavier one known as Pisang Nangka (as in Jackfruit) which is more aromatic. These are use basically for frying as they do not break up when cooked. Pisang Abu is the cheapest 'naner here due to its very thick skin (and I thought mine was thick):ha:
As you indicated, Tog, Saba doesn't break up even when cooked. So more so when uncooked. That is one of the qualities of Pahari Kela, another of which is the heaviness, as described in Dr. Parmar's article. I can probably eat three or four of these is they are cooked. I'm sure to have a tummy ache, were I to eat more than one, if uncooked.
Coastwind
03-23-2009, 10:41 PM
This banana sounds great!! I think it would do very well in the Bay Area, CA. Can I get in on buying one too?
harveyc
03-23-2009, 11:32 PM
Welcome Coastwind. What part of the Bay Area are you from? I'm located in the delta, about 15 miles east of Antioch.
You might want to introduce yourself to the gang at Member Introductions, Social Announcements & Good Wishes - Bananas.org (http://www.bananas.org/f11/).
Hey, Chong, have you contacted Dr. Parmar lately? Please let me know how I may help with the funding of the group purchase. Scot is eager to run them through his lab!
Harvey
Coastwind
03-23-2009, 11:52 PM
Hi Harvey,
Thanks for the welcoming! I live in San Mateo. I was growing 18 types of bananas at one point, but now have perhaps only 10 types. I love the tropics, bananas, CRFG's, etc. We are very lucky to live here, but having the right cultivars is the best way to success. I am looking forward to hopefully growing one of these. Very cool!!
Jack Daw
03-25-2009, 12:36 PM
I asked Dr Parmar on how the suckers are doing... he said he would reply to me in a day or so, so I'm waiting :woohoonaner:
Coastwind
03-25-2009, 11:44 PM
Many thanks Jack!! Ah the simple pleasures in life...:bananas_b:bananas_b
Coastwind
03-25-2009, 11:57 PM
Hi Jack,
Which cultivars are you looking for or which do you have? I can take a look as the year progresses to see if I can cut a keiki off of one of my bananas if they come up. They usually do, but I had to move my bananas last Fall in to a less ideal location so I am not as sure the will sprout up as much. Also, what kind of set up do you have to receive the keiki?
Kelcey
Jack Daw
03-26-2009, 07:19 AM
Hi Jack,
Which cultivars are you looking for or which do you have? I can take a look as the year progresses to see if I can cut a keiki off of one of my bananas if they come up. They usually do, but I had to move my bananas last Fall in to a less ideal location so I am not as sure the will sprout up as much. Also, what kind of set up do you have to receive the keiki?
Kelcey
Sent you a pm. Still no information from Dr Parmar :( Hopefully he will let me know soon :D
Jack Daw
04-19-2009, 03:11 AM
Sent you a pm. Still no information from Dr Parmar :( Hopefully he will let me know soon :D
So, the money's on its way to Dr. Parmar, in about 2 weeks the "Pahari Kela - Virupakshis" should already be here. I will take pictures as soon as they arrive and post them here. I suppose I will try overwintering 1 or 2 with protection outside (zone 7b - minimal temperatures about -13°C/about 8 or 9°F) and 3 in weak freezing temperatures (-3°C/26°F).
But that will be merely a year from now... Nice spring to all of you.
chong
04-19-2009, 04:17 AM
So, the money's on its way to Dr. Parmar, in about 2 weeks the "Pahari Kela - Virupakshis" should already be here. I will take pictures as soon as they arrive and post them here. I suppose I will try overwintering 1 or 2 with protection outside (zone 7b - minimal temperatures about -13°C/about 8 or 9°F) and 3 in weak freezing temperatures (-3°C/26°F).
But that will be merely a year from now... Nice spring to all of you.
Jack,
Are you getting both Pahari Kela AND Virupakshi varieties? Virupakshi is a hill banana also, but they are from South India.
Thanks.
Jack Daw
04-19-2009, 04:20 AM
Jack,
Are you getting both Pahari Kela AND Virupakshi varieties? Virupakshi is a hill banana, also, but they are from South India.
Thanks.
Sorry, my mistake, just 'Pahari Kela', Virupakshi would be too large for me (more than 5m, ey?). I was just reading another article and it somehow got to my mind. :D
Chironex
04-19-2009, 10:57 AM
So what's the latest from Dr Parmar, Chong? Are we going to get some too?
harveyc
04-19-2009, 11:25 AM
You're right with me, Scot, I sent Chong about a half hour ago and I think we'll need to wait until he gets back from Mass for an answer! ;)
harveyc
04-19-2009, 02:18 PM
So what's the latest from Dr Parmar, Chong? Are we going to get some too?
After my last post I noticed I had an e-mail from Chong late last night (buried with my e-mails from companies trying to sell me something) and learned that he hadn't heard back from Dr. Parmar. I think I'll send Dr. Parmar another e-mail since it started with an e-mail from him to me.
Harvey
austinl01
04-19-2009, 03:59 PM
This is the first time I really read this thread. I'm definitely interested in this cold hardy, edible banana. Thanks!
chong
04-19-2009, 05:14 PM
After my last post I noticed I had an e-mail from Chong late last night (buried with my e-mails from companies trying to sell me something) and learned that he hadn't heard back from Dr. Parmar. I think I'll send Dr. Parmar another e-mail since it started with an e-mail from him to me.
Harvey
Hey, All,
Great News!!! Dr. Parmar responded to my last night's (actually early morning here) email within just a little over an hour from my posting! He informed me that he found another Hill Banana with fruit, that was different, but appears to be a mutant of Pahari Kela, and was also quite cold hardy. Then he asked if I wanted a couple of them with the shipment. Can you believe that? I'm still thinking about it -LOL!
This was followed by discussions on payment and shipping arrangements. He was very encouraging. He said that the delay in communications was because he'd just gotten a new computer and was about to email me, but when he opened it the first time, there was my email!
Guess we're on again! I'll be sending him the payment on Monday with my permit paperwork.
Chong
austinl01
04-19-2009, 05:41 PM
Chong, how many are you ordering? Will there enough for any of us who want one to order one?
chong
04-19-2009, 06:14 PM
Chong, how many are you ordering? Will there enough for any of us who want one to order one?
Hello Austin,
We've reserved 10 Pahari Kela, most of which are spoken for. This includes several that were ordered for Scot to propagate via TC. I had asked Dr. Parmar if we could increase the order to 12, but with his last response today, he offered 2 corms of a different variety of banana that could be a sport of the PK. So, naturally, we would be interested and told him so. That then brought us back to 10 PK. However, if Scot successfully propagates these plants, they will be available to our members for a minimal cost.
I'll PM you on what other options we have.
Chong
Jack Daw
04-20-2009, 08:16 AM
Hello Austin,
We've reserved 10 Pahari Kela, most of which are spoken for. This includes several that were ordered for Scot to propagate via TC. I had asked Dr. Parmar if we could increase the order to 12, but with his last response today, he offered 2 corms of a different variety of banana that could be a sport of the PK. So, naturally, we would be interested and told him so. That then brought us back to 10 PK. However, if Scot successfully propagates these plants, they will be available to our members for a minimal cost.
I'll PM you on what other options we have.
Chong
If only there were some people like you and Scot in the Europe. Gosh, it's incredible, the only people that actually seem to have all those famous and quality cultivars (Ice Cream, Double, Iholena, Dwarf Red...) are Germans. But only a few of them are willing to trade or give. Lucky, that there are some people from Italy and Switzerland, who are willing to share their resources, but besides that, it's difficult...
If only someone could TC bananas in Europe for our needs... And I know, that there are many members, who would be interested in certain cultivars.
hatfam
04-21-2009, 09:44 AM
Great news :woohoonaner: I was afraid this was going to fall through the cracks.
Lagniappe
04-21-2009, 10:14 AM
If only there were some people like you and Scot in the Europe. Gosh, it's incredible, the only people that actually seem to have all those famous and quality cultivars (Ice Cream, Double, Iholena, Dwarf Red...) are Germans. But only a few of them are willing to trade or give. Lucky, that there are some people from Italy and Switzerland, who are willing to share their resources, but besides that, it's difficult...
If only someone could TC bananas in Europe for our needs... And I know, that there are many members, who would be interested in certain cultivars.
Perhaps this is a niche that you could fill?
Jack Daw
04-21-2009, 02:45 PM
Perhaps this is a niche that you could fill?
I am far from that level of gardening although I would like to reach it some day, maybe in a year, maybe in two, maybe later. I'll see, how the things develop and whether there will be any place left in my garden and house then. ;)
Jack Daw
04-24-2009, 02:49 PM
OK, money's there, on monday it travells to the Europe... :D Will let you know.
Jack Daw
05-21-2009, 05:32 AM
So, the Pahari Kela arrived today and here are some pics to share:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq201/Jackob_Daw/Exotika%20-%20banany/20090521/20090521-MusaPahariKela001.jpg
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq201/Jackob_Daw/Exotika%20-%20banany/20090521/20090521-MusaPahariKela002.jpg
Great many thanks to Dr. Chiranjit Parmar.
YAKUZA
05-21-2009, 05:45 AM
So, the Pahari Kela arrived today and here are some pics to share:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq201/Jackob_Daw/Exotika%20-%20banany/20090521/20090521-MusaPahariKela001.jpg
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq201/Jackob_Daw/Exotika%20-%20banany/20090521/20090521-MusaPahariKela002.jpg
Great many thanks to Dr. Chiranjit Parmar.
Verry nice. hope i get someday corns from over the world
Jack Daw
05-21-2009, 05:51 AM
OU, this variety is edible, there are no seeds (Korn)... ;)
alpha010
05-21-2009, 06:06 AM
Gotta love typing your accent! Just messing with you guys......Jack was fast on that one!
D_&_T
05-23-2009, 12:05 AM
Can't wait to see how they grow!
Jack Daw
05-23-2009, 02:24 AM
Can't wait to see how they grow!
Me too. :D
harveyc
05-23-2009, 11:11 AM
We expect to see frequent status reports, Jack! :ha:
Jack Daw
05-23-2009, 12:10 PM
We expect to see frequent status reports, Jack! :ha:
On it. :D The center seems to be growing on both plants, so it might be a question of week or two, until the effect is noticable in pictures. I will update the information and pictures as frequently as possible.
YAKUZA
05-23-2009, 01:14 PM
when all banans go wild you may send one 2 here jack hehe
harveyc
06-03-2009, 12:18 PM
See update at the top of page 1 of this discussion thread. Since Dr. Parmar is not able to provide a phytosanitary certificate, Chong is not able to import this banana since the certificate is required by the USDA. Thanks, Chong, for all of your efforts and patience in this matter!
Has anybody else in the USA been able to import this banana? If so, I'd like to purchase one from you!
Harvey
Michael_Andrew
06-03-2009, 02:07 PM
Thanks for the effort you guys put into this. Sorry it didn't work out.
Michael
:2738:
Hello fellow banana lovers!
I came across this forum because an acquaintance sent me a link. At the moment I work for a micro-propagation lab that produces Hill Banana via tissue culture and exports them as sterile primary hardened plug plants shipped via air, with a valid phytosanitory certificate.
Is there anyone here that is still interested to know more or purchase from this company? I'd be happy to get in touch.
:2722: Please send me a mail if interested.
griphuz
05-24-2012, 06:29 AM
Do you have some more details maybe? Exactly what species of hil bananan do you have in micropropagation?
Kind regards,
Remko.
blownz281
05-24-2012, 07:36 PM
Cold hardiness of plant.
Hi I do not know the exact name of cultivar, but I know its high altitude hold hardy banana, hardy up to 0C.
Also known to survive brief spells of upto -4C
I'll try to get more info soon
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