andy17

That's a thought-provoking point. Unfortunately, company and grower propaganda abound, and many try to hype up new varieties or create an "it factor" that makes people want to buy it. Most US hobby and backyard growers are working with sub-tropical conditions at best, and that has a huge impact on the varieties that will grow satisfactorily there. Many growers are just excited to get fruit, and any variety that is tolerant enough of challenging conditions becomes a go to. In my experience, the best cultivars are simply too tropical to grow north or south of the tropics with any success. And for those that are successful, the quality of the fruit just isn't the same and the variety gets a poor review and reputation.

That's really fascinating with the Gros Michel. It has developed a legendary status and the general consensus that it is superior to the cavendish. Yes, and that is the unfortunate thing. There are different purposes for plant and crop breeding, feeding as many people as possible is a valid goal for staple crops and for food insecure regions, but there is also the quest to maximize yields for greater profit, even at the expense of fruit quality. Corporate monocultures have done great damage to crops and the environment and people. Sadly, landrace bananas, which would be great for preserving genetic diversity and collector's wishlists with rare qualities and traits seems nearly impossible to get in the US. Most nurseries offer TC's from Agristarts, and while I'm very thankful for them, they also make it hard to get unique cultivars outside of the mainstays. Often too, these are misidentified or mixed-up.

I've read some about the English breeding program in the Caribbean, and their focus on disease resistance in quality fruit. It seems a major influence for FHIA has been commercial applications, like a direct replacement for the current commercial export variety and challenging, far away markets like North America and Europe.

That's a great question, and I'm curious as well why some of the others, like those developed in the Caribbean and Africa haven't made it here.

andy17

Okay, thank you. I'll take a look and see if I can view their records.

Hmm, that's disappointing to hear, but I can definitely see that. For one, the hot pink leaf margin, deep pink on the leaf petioles, and the heavy wax are all really reminiscent of a Namwa. Looking at the Dwarf Namwa I have in the ground next to them, the resemblance is noticeable.

I really appreciate it. It would be great to get a plant that is identified correctly and is what it's supposed to be. I may take you up on the offer once I get some more room later this summer. Thank you.