| Pink-Fruited Banana | |
| Musa velutina | |
| a.k.a. Baby Pink Banana, Hairy Banana |
An ornamental banana with bright pink colored fruits. The plant is very attractive as a garden ornamental and its popularity is enhanced by its relative hardiness for a banana.
Description: A small plant with the typical banana-like growth habit to 4-6ft high and 3-5ft wide. The leaves are quite large and can grow to 12-24". While not dwarf in form, this species generally remains quite small and can flower and fruit in just over a year from seed. The pink fruits are covered with thin hairs, hence its alternative common name, the Hairy Banana.
Hardiness: Reported to be hardy to 20F, though temperatures below 32F generally kill back foliage which will regrow when temeratures warm. This species also flourishes in warm, tropical climates.
Growing Environment: Regular water is a neccessity (though do not overwater) and the plant should be protected from low humitidy (<25%). Grows well in filtered light/part-shade and in well-drained but moist soil.
Propagation: By seeds, which can take several months to sprout. Seeds can be dried and should be sprouted in warm (75-85F), well-drained soil. Propagation also by rhizomes, tubers and offsets.
Uses: Grown as an ornamental for its beautiful pink-fruits and large pink flowers. The fruits could be edible (from some sources), though they are quite seedy with minimal flesh.
Native Range: Native to India and parts of southeast Asia.