Plantain, Plantain Banana

Musa balbisiana

Physical Characteristics

Musa balbisiana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Birds, Bats. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Stem Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[418 ]. The fruit is not often eaten raw, being unpopular because of its seediness[301 ]. The ripe fruit is boiled, baked, fried, or roasted[418 ]. Juice from the ripe fruits is mixed with sugar and then fermented into a type of vinegar[301 , 418 ]. Young fruits are used like green papaya in salads and pickles[301 ]. The green, yellow or brown fruits can be 10 - 25cm long. They can be seeded or seedless[418 ]. The underground stem can be eaten as a vegetable[418 ]. The inner stem is sometimes eaten in curries[301 ]. Male flower clusters - sometimes used as an ingredient in curries[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany The fruit has medicinal properties[418 ].

Known Hazards

None known