Musa macklayi
 

Translated from Russian ( ÁÀÍÀÍ — MUSA ):

English scientist Chesman divided genus Musa into 4 sections. Two of them - Callimusa and Rhodochlamys - include species of ornamental value. In section Australisirfia is Musa textilis L. (abacus), which has value as a spinning culture, as well as Musa fehi, which is grown only on the islands of the Pacific. This species is descended from the wild Musa macklayi, named after the famous Russian traveler N. Maclay, and has a short orange fruit. Other forms of edible bananas are included in the section Eumusa, there are about 10 species. Their natural range extends from the south of India and the Samoa Islands to Japan.

If this interests you, then check out Agri-Starts, Inc. - Availability for Weeks 43-44, 2009

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Will you be ordering these? If so please add to me to the list.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I don't know. It is a seeded banana that enjoys an equatorial climate. I'm at latitude 32.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Anyone want to split a couple trays from agristarts?

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Maclay sure does sound like a Russian name to me. :ha:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

That's a cultivar they are selling. The species is spelled Musa maclayi, no k, and doesn't have single quotes around it. I have never heard of that cultivar however...do they have any information about it on their website? I can't find anything out about it. Have you emailed them about this particular banana?

Frank

Re: Musa macklayi
 

The folks who write the Agristarts listings seem to have trouble with difference between species and cultivar. For example, they list "Musa 'Iterans'". The tags for my Kiwis say "Actinidia 'Chinensis' (Male)".

So when I saw Musa "Macklayi" listed, I did some searching and found the Russian article.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I talked to Randy Strode (the owner) about helping them redo the banana info for their next catalog (after I pointed out they had the wrong name for a plant based on a photo of mine they are using), but I have never heard back from them. Just because they are writing the name as if it was a cultivar it is not convincing that it is a cultivar, however without any background its not convincing that they have true M. maclayi at all.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Good evening Gabe,

Did Randy give you any information as to the source of this "cultivar",..?

Some Fei came into the state as part of an IFAS research project. The Fei cultivars did not do well according to the research publication. After the research project was over the cultivars became "neglected"..., so much for responsible research. The Menei did best of the Fei, they were susceptable to nematodes (but so are most banana cultivars grown in the U.S.), maybe some lasted long enough to be TCed.

The "MacKlayi" may be worth growing out just to see what they are. :2239:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I've planted some of these "MacKlayi", I'm interested to see how they turn out! :2239:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I've got 18 of them on order along with 18 alocasia Sarian, 18 dwarf red, 18 thousand fingers, 18 dwarf namwah, 18 manzano, 18 thai black, and 18 margarita. Should be getting them next week. Heck it doesn't matter what climate bananas like, they all hate Indiana but still do pretty well here!...lol...

Re: Musa macklayi
 

We talked a little bit about it, I think I might know the source, but I am not confident they are the true wild species M. maclayi. I do not know what they are. I may have one (if they turn out to be the same plant) at the Denver Botanic Gardens, but it is still a small plant in a pot.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Thanks Gabe,

I also have some in pots, with a few already in the ground. This winter may be the critical time for them. I am going to prepare an area to plant many more. I appreciate any information you might provide on specific culture. :2239:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Watching for updates here! :lurk:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I bought 2 from Scot (Chironiex) back right before he left. Both were small and weak, and both died. I'd like to have it if/when anyone has extras to sell.

Russell

Re: Musa macklayi
 

I just received some from agristarts. They are cute little things. Did we ever decide if they were tc'ing the right banana for macklayi? anyway I have their version of macklayi and they'll be ready to ship in 6 weeks or so if anyone wants to try them. The weather may or may not be cooperating by then though. It might have to be longer since Indiana isn't exactly known for tropical winters, well not outside anyway....lol...

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Gabe,

Based on on what I can see from your picture of Jackii, and what my new young "Macklayi" looks like now, there are similarities in the leaves and petioles. But that is not enough to make conclusions. I have a picture of "Macklayi" in my photo album.

Time and growth will give us the answer! :2239:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

When comparing plants, whats different about them is often more important than whats similar. If you notice, your plant is waxy and has a reddish hue on the pseudostem, these are very important descriptors which can distinguish different varieties of banana. Color can change depending on conditions and sunlight levels (but M. maclayi or M. jackeyi should not show those colors in any conditions), but waxyness is a rather unaffected trait.

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Thanks Gabe,

You're right about the differences being more important than the similarities, I learned that in 3000 level Botany, but from our photos I could not be sure about the waxiness you pointed out. We never used Musa as lab subjects or even examples in Botany.

My plants are young and small, and waxiness is not yet apparent to me. Thanks for the "refocusing."

Don said to tell you hello Gabe.

GhostCrab, I plan to plant out the "MacKlayi" I initially purchased, I may buy more in the spring if available. Try to get some from Sandy at Northern Tropics as it may be longer than you wish to wait for me.

When you get them liquid fertilizers with root starter is not advisable, they seem to be a little sensitive, a dry powder rooting hormone with fungicide seems to work much better. That is a "finding" from my initial trials.

Good growing and Merry Christmas! :2239:

Re: Musa macklayi
 

Caloosamusa,

I've been using 10-20-30 for the first few weeks on the plantlets I receive from Agristarts with much success. The dosage I'm using is 1/8th cup powder per gallon BUT that is diluted again at the ratio of 1:16 by my siphon mixer.