Unknown species from Laos
 

I got this from N2TropicAL (thanks, Hayes!). I thought I'd post a few pics and see what you think it might be. First, the pic from Hayes's gallery of the mat where mine came from:



And here's mine:



Pseudostem closeup (top)



Base of the pseudostem:



Got a couple of pups coming along:



It is a pretty vigorous banana. The upright leaves made me think of Musa textilis, but Musa textilis has narrower leaves and no wax on the pseudostem. It is from Laos, and who knows where else. Any ideas?

Re: Unknown species from Laos
 

No idea but nice addition!

Re: Unknown species from Laos
 

Where the mature leafs curl in to meet the petiole fits the description of Musa balbisiana. Looks almost exactly like a mystery one that I had last year that took 110F for a few days in full dry sun, and didn't even flintch.
Nice one!

Re: Unknown species from Laos
 

No clue but a very nice plant!

~Joe

Re: Unknown species from Laos
 

The pseudostem even has the yellowish coloration near the top that M. balbisiana does, and I have considered that. The black line where the petioles clasp the pseudostem are characteristic of M. balbisiana too. The leaves are just way too upright for M. balbisiana though. Perhaps a hybrid of M. balbisiana and M. textilis?

Thanks!

Re: Unknown species from Laos
 

M. balbisiana is a very variable species with many different varieties out there. I highly doubt it is one of the hybrids with M. textilis. I also thought M. balbisiana with these pictures.