Japanese banana

Also known as: Japanese fiber banana

M. basjoo is a suckering evergreen perennial to 5m tall, with arching lance-shaped leaves to 3m long, and drooping terminal spikes of cream flowers in summer, sometimes followed by inedible green fruits to 6cm long

Scientific classification

Species: Japanese banana (Musa basjoo)
Genus: Musa
Family: Musaceae

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Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Suckering
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Japanese banana pictures

Distribution of Japanese banana

Distribution map

China

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Japanese banana

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Japanese banana care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

See banana cultivation notes (above) for wrapping and overwintering

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe at 21-24°C (70-75°F); presoak spring sown seed for 24 hours. Separate suckers in early spring, removing older leaves or divide established clumps every five years

Growing

For banana cultivation under glass grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No.3) in full light with shade from hot sun; repot every other year, in spring. In warmer parts of the country for outdoors grow in a sheltered position in humus-rich well-drained soil in full sun

More growing and care information →