Musa cheesmani pics
 

Anyone else growing this one? Check out the color on the lower part of the pseudostem :2737: :

[IMG][/IMG]

Here's a view of the whole plant. The top half of the pseudostem is waxy, and newer leaves have purple midribs. A very colorful species, and supposed to be zone 7 hardy. I'll be giving mine somewhat of a test by leaving it outside this winter, but it will be protected very well.

[IMG][/IMG]

Re: Musa cheesmani pics
 

That is a beautyful banana!

How old is it? I am trying these from seed now, and also nagensium. They are said to be closely related.:nanadrink:

Erlend

Re: Musa cheesmani pics
 

Frank,

I've heard banking bales of hay around the stem is a helpful way of protecting it through the winter.

Re: Musa cheesmani pics
 

Nice pictures Frank, I had one about 3ft from seed that is going out to Hayes in AL today. True Musa nagensium I dont think is so closely related to M. cheesmani, even when it was first discovered it was questioned weather it was even a Musa at all, it has some interesting charicteristics like huge white seeds, and fruit that hangs down parallel with the stalk, ie. does not respond to negative geotropism, which tells most other banana fruit to point upwards. The seeds of M. nagensium on the market are not pure, most are hybrid with M. balbisiana. You can tell the pure ones though because they are white.

Re: Musa cheesmani pics
 

Thanks! The plant is in its second year of growth from seed. It spent last year in a small pot and partially neglected (not much fertlizer). It spent the winter in my unheated garage, and came through looking great. It has really exploded in growth since planting in the ground!

I think musa cheesmani is supposed to be closely related to m. sikkimensis. I'd like to get ahold of the real m. nagensium also. Anyone know of a reliable seed source for this one?

Jeff, I'm going to use some mulch around the base, then a bag of leaves on top of that. Thanks.

Hayes needs more bananas! He only has about thirty-something species and varieties growing right now...:doggyandnaner:

Re: Musa cheesmani pics
 

Gabe, can you confirm that by some kind of literature-reference of pictures?
Where did you get this information?