Dwarf Banana (Musa acuminata)

Family: Musaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Musa acuminata is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Fruit - raw or dried for later use.; The fruit is up to 12cm long and 2.5cm wide.; The male flowers are eaten raw or roasted and eaten like artichokes.; Young shoots - cut finely and added to sauces.

Habitat & North American Range

Shaded and moist ravines, marshlands, semi-marshlands and slopes from near sea level to 1200 metres. (Zone 10)