This is a rare banana species originating from the inland tropical rainforests of Borneo, where it grows in lowland areas along riverbanks. The plant can reach a height of around 2–3 metres and grows in large bush-like clumps.
The pseudostems consist of stacked leaf bases, as in all banana species. This species, however, retains many of its leaves along the stem, giving it a more bush-like appearance rather than that of a typical banana plant. It more closely resembles a ginger species than a banana. The plant is monocarpic, meaning that each stem flowers only once before dying back, after which new shoots emerge from the rhizome. This Musa species forms relatively small red to orange inflorescences, followed by elongated yellow fruits of about 1 cm in diameter and up to 10 cm long.
In temperate climates, the plant is best kept indoors. Provide a wide pot for the rhizome development and maintain a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius. The plant can be placed outside during the summer, but heavy winds and temperatures below 10 °C should be avoided.
Sowing description: Sand the seeds with sand paper and soak them in lukewarm water for 48 hours. Sow the seeds in sowing mix and keep the soil constantly moist by covering the soil with plastic foil or glass. Let the seeds germinate in a warm spot indoors (for example in the sun or near a heater). Germination can take a few weeks or months, and can still occur as long as the seeds are firm.
Photos: Neni Suparni
