Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

Hi! I'm currently raising 3 small banana plants I've grown from seeds. I was under the impression that they were sikkimensis, but the seed pack actually reads "Musa balbisiana cv sikkimensis". How should I interpret this name?

Am I growing a balbisiana cultivar that happens to share its name with the musa sikkimensis? Or are they both the same thing? Or is the name tag not right?

Kind regards,

Karl

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

They are different species, and so hopefully your seeds are one or the other, and the label is incorrect.

Can you post a photo of the seeds? Fortunately M. balbisiana and M. sikkimensis seeds are both quite distinct, so if it is either one of those we can tell the difference. There is also the possibility your seeds are something completely different.

M. balbisiana seeds are about the size of a pepper-corn, relatively round, and with a distinct rough-bumpy surface.

M. sikkimensis seeds are larger, more irregular in shape with some being somewhat flattened or with sharp edges, about the size of a pea, and with a smooth surface.

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

They will be Balbisiana the cv refers to the fact they are a cultivar unique to Sikkim in India. I was told the difference, but I forget what they are now.

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

All 25 seeds have been planted so I can't really take a picture of the seeds themselves. The seeds were small, comparable to a large peppercorn, but correspond to Gabe's description of the sikkimensis seeds. If it weren't for the micropylar plug, they could have easily been confused with a bunch of small crushed rocks or gravel.

Since I can't upload pictures on this forum I have uploaded them elsewere.
This is the largest of the 3 so far. To early to tell?


upload a picture to the internet

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

And the two others, which seem to have sprouted out of the same seed;


upload a picture to the internet

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

Whatever they are, they are growing well! The former largest one is slowing down and seems to be more stocky in build with its leaves unfolding just after the previous ones. The 'twin' plants have overtaken the other one in height and are churning out new leaves at a rate of 1 leave per 5-6 days. They are also a healthier green and have a more grass-like upward growth.


upload img to html link

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

Congrats they look great! What was your source for the seeds?

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

I ordered 25 seeds online from Zadengigant in the Netherlands and this is the result. I would have been happy with just one plant, but 3 is just amazing as a first time banana owner :D

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

About a month later, and they've grown well:03:
[IMG][/IMG]

Re: Balbisiana or sikkimensis?
 

Wow, great job.
Those plants have really taken off.