Musa sikkimensis Bengal Tiger banana tree seeds
Musa sikkimensis, Bengal Tiger banana tree seeds
Musa sikkimensis, commonly known as Bengal Tiger banana tree is a highly ornamental plant species belonging to genus Musa (Musaceae juss). Other common names include Darjeeling banana. Its synonyms are Musa hookeri. The origin of this particular species can be traced back to the foot of the Himalayas of north-eastern India to an altitude of 2000m since the area is freezing due to snow and parts of Bhutan.
The plant species is yellowish-green and reddish tinged robustious and grows with a height up to 4m. It is covered with blackish-brown smudged sheath without wax deposits in its pseudo stem. It produces red-purple lamina at its base when young and fades on maturity. Fruits are large angled at maturity with large callosities on the axis. Bananas of Musa sikkimensis are succulent that no one could believe whether it can carry great fruits. It produces insufficient pulp with white to pale pink colour. Remembering that bananas are one of the largest highly seasoned perennials, particularly during winter hence flowering and fruiting always occur during October to April. Essentially Darjeeling banana takes an approximate of three years to produce flowers. The production of fruits varies with seasons, especially during summer where a time the plant produces bananas which are not viable as a result of climate change.
The magnificent part of this species is the deep green burgundy discoloured leaves which are strong thus act as wind hindrance. Musa sikkimensis bananas should be let on to overwinter outdoors, a good application of covered soil around the banana is necessary with the addition of mulching to prevent frost from affecting the plant roots.
At a minimum temperature of -50 C this plants growth stops at -20C leaves tend to break while stem continues to freeze at a lower temperature, thus the plant dies during winter and comes back in the spring. The approach and position for better production next year, the banana plant requires proper plant insulation. That said Musa is planted up close to a house to indulge the heat radiation coming from the walls of the house. Likewise growing it close by the canopy trees is also vital due to frost, which may hinder growth. Watering it regularly during summer and fertiliser application will result in a magnificent demonstration of jungle foliage.
The Musa sikkimensis is becoming adapted with its combination of beautiful colours and the fact that it can be cultivated well. Despite the banana fruit being small, they are edible but filled with seeds making them less consumable. This banana is also commonly used for gardening, especially in the tropical zones. The regular cutting back of the banana sheet is necessary to maintain the vast growth of the plant.
