There are about 70 species of Musa - Evergreen, suckering, mostly tropical perennial plants with huge, often paddle-shaped leaf blades, summer clusters of tubular flowers borne between colorful bracts, which among certain varieties may be followed by the familiar edible bananas and plantains. These plants do best in organic soils with regular water. NOTE: Do not consume plant parts without confirming identifications and determining that they have been raised organically. E. ventricosum 'Maurelii', aka Red Abyssinian Banana, is a close relative of Musa but is an ornamental with purplish-red foliage and grows 12-15 ft. tall. There are also dwarf varieties of Musa.
Full-partial sun, sheltered from wind
Water to keep soil moist, not soggy
Prune off suckers
Well-draining, humus amended soil
6 ft.-30 ft.x 10-15 ft.
