Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

This was supposed to be a Brazilian from Stokes Tropicals, but I was just told that it couldn't be because of the flowers. Can anyone help me with an I.D.?
I think it flowered at around 7 feet tall. Thanks very much.

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

I'm definitely a novice, but it seems like it may be a Musa Ice Cream. Don't count on it, but it looks very, very similar...Google that variety and see what you think.

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

Looks more like 'Orinoco'.

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

Sorry, Clare, I cannot help with an ID, but this looks very much like the variety I saw in the northern part of Vietnam (See http://www.bananas.org/f2/vietnam-bananas-13380.html). Since it is prevalent in, - possibly even limited to - the north, we may assume, that it tolerates cooler temperatures. While we still lingered in the south of the country, the temperatures in some parts of the north dropped for a few days down to freezing overnight. If you have plenty pups, it would be interesting to experiment with minimal protection next winter.

Unfortunately you do not display your local hardiness zone or which part of (California?) you live in. Therefore my suggestion may be inapplicable.

Best,
Olaf

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

Thanks, everyone, for the help. I really appreciate it. I really hate it when nurseries label things wrong.

Olaf, I'm in Zone 10, and my bananas are outside all year in the ground and unprotected. It doesn't freeze here, but it did get down to around 33 this winter, which is colder than usual.

I do have a Dwarf Orinoco, but the plant is much more blue-green. It also doesn't seem to have the same growth habit as my other two 'Ice Creams,' but I'll keep investigating. Thanks!

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

While the Ice Cream has very much the same flower as yours, the frazzling of the leaves does not come through there. I tend to agree more with Gabe's ID of 'Orinoco'. Especially since it appears to be relatively cold hardy like the Orinoco

Best,
Olaf

Re: Brazilian From Stokes Tropicals
 

:waving: I believe you guys are right. It is actually my Dwarf Namwah which is blue-green -- my mistake. Thanks very much for the I.D.; Orinoco it is.