Family: Musaceae
Scientific name: Musa itinerans var. formosana
Common name: Taiwanese banana
Origin: Taiwan

For a long time the official name of this species from Taiwan has been discussed. Initially it was The species strongly resembles the Musa basjoo and was therefore classified as a variety of this species: Musa basjoo var. formosana. Since 2011 the species is named as a variety of a whole other species: the Musa itinerans, and is therefore currently known as the Musa itinerans var. formosa.

In nature this species grows up to a maximum height of 6 meters, that grows in the hills of Taiwan. It has a purple/red inflorescence and edible fruits of about 10 cm in size. The species can be grown as a container plant in temperate climates, at a minimum temperature of 5 degC.

Sowing description: Sand the seeds with sanding 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.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celcius