Unidentified plants
 

Hello, my name is Jeanine. I am writing from Claremont California.

About 8 years ago I was given an unidentified banana tree in a broken down trash can . I watered it enough to keep it alive, but that was about all the love it got. Finally, I put it in the ground about four years ago. It now is a cluster of about five trees, and is fruiting. I noticed the flower in February shortly before a frost, which I thought would take care of it, but even though a few baby bananas were lost, there are still many hands growing. My conditions are anything but optimal. We have clay soil, low humidity, and in summer it is quite hot. Only 89 right now, but often over 100 degrees F for extended periods.

I am excited about the potential for raising bananas, but as I have no idea what this one might be, I don't know what to do for it or when fruit may ripen. I do know that when I took it from it's previous home another of it's kind was fruiting and I was told they were edible.

Can anyone tell me the most reliable clues to this bananas type? Thank you so much, I am glad I stumbled upon this board! :waving:

Re: Unidentified plants
 

Hello, Welcome, and Happy Growing.. A picture is best for what you ask. :^)

Re: Unidentified plants
 

This is the most common banana you will find in San Diego.Musa Orinoco - Bananas Wiki

Or you can search here for one that may match yours.All articles - Bananas Wiki

Re: Unidentified plants
 

Sunfish, thanks for listing those most informative links. I've "saved" them and I'm sure will refer to them often. I have a banana that a friend gave me that I would love to be able to identify. All that I know about it is that it doesn't die to the ground along the northern gulf coast and one of them now is about 10-12 feet tall and it is not a basjoo nor a namwah no bloom yet after 4 years.

Re: Unidentified plants
 

Welcome! It's probably Orinoco. That's the most common variety in Southern California. Pics will confirm it.