Musella Lasiocarpa

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==External== ==External==
*Links *Links
 +
 +[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

watermark.php?file=2491&size=1&filefix=.jpg

(credit austinl01)

watermark.php?file=2493&size=1&filefix=.jpg

(credit austinl01)

watermark.php?file=1641&size=1&filefix=.jpg

(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

Nature Products Network

  • Sources

Triple Oaks Nursery