Musa Sikkimensis (red tiger,manipur etc)

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Contents

Species Name

Musa sikkimensis / Musa sikkimensis 'red tiger' / Musa sikkimensis 'Manipur'


Synonyms

Pictures

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(credit the flying dutchman)

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(credit mrbungalow)

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(credit Gabe15)

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(credit Gabe15)

Description

M. sikkimensis is a rather variable, robust banana with a thick trunk, sometimes with black blotches and light powder on the lower petioles. The new leaves are blackish-red variegated and have maroon underneath. This feature fades as the plant gets older and larger. The base colour of the leaves is shiny, dark green. The midribs are sometimes red on top. M. sikkimensis is the species of banana that grows best at low temperatures. A spring 1 liter plant can achieve at least 1.5 meters of pseudostem (< 2 m total height) at the end of the growing season. It does not sucker as vigourously as for example "Musa Basjoo", but usually produces one or two pups during a growing-season. It is one of the best species for cool, marine climates. It's origin is the foothills around Himalaya, ranging up to 7000 feet.

Seed grown plants are variable in hardiness, but can usually be overwintered in the same way as Musa basjoo. However, Musa sikkimensis rots more easily in cold, wet weather.

A similar plant on the market is "Red Tiger" wich is said to be more variegated and colourful. Observations from seed-trials show that "Red Tiger" seedlings are not as vigourous as regular M. sikkimensis seedlings.


  • Genetic Group -

Eumusa, 2n=22

Origin

North India

  • Date realized in trade -

Usage

Ornamental

Flowering

  • Time To Bloom -
  • Time To Harvest -

Cultivation

  • Mature Height -

12-18 feet

  • Survival Zone -

5-9

  • Fruiting Zone -
  • Cold Hardiness -

Very, as Basjoo

  • Wind -

Wind tolerant

  • Sun -

Full sun no more than 30% shade Grows best above 65F

  • Taste Description -
  • Personal Notes -
  • Growth tips -

Known Afflictions

  • Pests -

Borers, grasshoppers and root nematodes

  • Susceptible Diseases -

Panama disease and black sigatoka

  • Resistant Diseases -

Research Notes

  • Links to useful discussion threads in the forum:
  • Typical Price Range -

Members Growing This Banana

External

  • Sources