Musella Lasiocarpa
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==External== | ==External== | ||
*Links | *Links | ||
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+ | [http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drc/Bar-Zvi.htm Fairfield Botanical Garden Views] | ||
[http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drc/musella005.htm Musella Flower Progression Pictures] | [http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drc/musella005.htm Musella Flower Progression Pictures] |
Revision as of 22:40, 8 April 2007
Contents |
Cultivar Name
Musella lasiocarpa
Synonyms
Chinese Yellow Banana
Golden Lotus Banana
Pictures
(credit austinl01)
(credit austinl01)
(credit barna)
Description
The Chinese Yellow Banana is a rare variety of banana from Yunnan, China. In its native land, the banana grows in high mountain regions with an elevation of 8,000 feet! Musella lasiocarpa has gray-green foliage, but it's grown for its large yellow flower which last up to 8 months! After flowering, tiny fruits may appear with dark, black seeds. This banana multiplies quickly producing many pups throughout the year. The Yellow Banana is a very unique and unusual banana for any garden and is very easy to grow.
Origin
China
- Date realized in trade - 1998?
Becoming more popular
Usage
Ornamental
Grown for its flower
Flowering
- Large, yellow flower
- Time To Bloom - 2 to 3 years
- Flower lasts up to 8 months and can withstand frost
Cultivation
- Mature Height - 4 to 6 feet
- Survival Zone - 7 to 10
- Fruiting Zone - 7b to 10
- Cold Hardiness - 10°F with winter mulch and protection; can stand light frost without leaf damage
- Wind - Very wind tolerant unlike most bananas; leaves will not tear under normal windy conditions
- Sun - Full sun
- Taste Description - Fruit is not edible
- Propagation - Difficult to separate pups; divide larger pups in late spring or summer; it is necessary to dig very close to the parent plant in order to get some roots for the pup
- Personal Notes - Like all bananas, the yellow banana is a heavy feeder. Apply steady applications of fertilizer (such as organic products like cow manure or fish emulsion or synthetic products such as a balanced fertilizer) throughout the growing season; apply a good layer of mulch around the base of the banana to conserve soil moisture
- Growing Tips - Grow in well draining, amended soil; protect from winter cold in zones 7 and 8; consider digging the banana up and storing in a crawl space or unheated garage for the winter; plant outside again the following spring; separate pups very carefully as they have small corms close to the parent plant
Known Afflictions
- Pests - No known pests
- Susceptible Diseases - No known diseases
Research Notes
- Links to useful discussion threads in the forum:
http://www.bananas.org/showthread.php?t=1665
- Typical Price Range - $15 to $50
Members Growing This Banana
External
- Links
Fairfield Botanical Garden Views
Musella Flower Progression Pictures
- Sources