island cassie

Mitchell, RJ - this is interesting and I think that the variations/different strains within a variety are quite marked. I have a Dwarf Orinoco that I am seriously thinking of relocating to the compost bin as the fruits are less than thrilling although the plant itself is very handsome. Now my tall Orinoco has fruit that ripen with an orange cast to the skin, and taste so good that the local Dominicans (who have a casual approach to gardens and plants) are asking for pups. I am almost reluctant to hand out spare fruit from this plant - except for the fact that it bears very heavily - currently 4 bunches in progress so I should be OK! lol! Also the first bunch on my Manzano was unexceptional, but the second bunch has been vastly different and better in flavour. I let them all ripen on the plant and treat them all the same regarding water, fertilizer etc. And I do find that most home grown bananas have to be very ripe to realise their true potential - even the ones picked green and ripened off the plant never behave like the store fruit but are often sweet and ready to eat while the skin is still pale green (never tried this with Orinoco). Sorry if this rant constitutes a thread hijack! Ooops!