Abaca (Musa textilis)

Family: Musaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Musa textilis or commonly known as Abaca is a banana species native to the Philippines and is mainly cultivated for its fiber. It is evergreen and perennial, and grows about 4 - 6 m in height with a clump of large pseudo stems that can be up to 30 cm in diameter. It produces runners along the ground that take roots at each segment to form new plants. The leaves are dark green but light green on the the underside and oblong.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

A species of banana native to the Philippines, grown as a commercial crop in the Philippines, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. (Zone 10)