Re: Names and Bananas
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] Names and Bananas
- From: B* S*
- Date: Fri, 20 Aug 1999 09:44:41 -0400
- References: <199908190103.rrn40q.4bk.37kbi15@mx7.mindspring.com>
>Hello; we were talking about banana plants several months ago, and someone
>mentioned a banana from India which was hardy to zone 5 or 6. I remember
>it was Musa ???(something that began with an 'r'). What was the species,
>where might it be purchased, and are the bananas edible?
THe species is Musa basjoo, from Japan, and it is available from Stokes'
Tropicals (look for their website). I suspect it would be hardy in 5 or 6
only with very extensive protection. It is killed to the ground here in 7
but comes back from the corm. The bananas are not produced unless you can
take the plants into a greenhouse to prolong the season. They are not said
to be edible.
Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
