Musa sp. Yangste (syn. sp. Tibet)

(Yangste Banana, Tibetian Banana)

One totally new banana species which was introducted to Germany in 2001 for the first time, is originated from the border area of Myanmar (Burma), Zizang (Tibet) and Yunnan and grows in altitudes up to 9333 feet. The leaves are exceptionally bluisch-green, nearly turquoise colored, and are very narrow and usually stiff, have a certainly simularity with the leaf of Strelitzia augusta (Tree Paradise Flower, which is grown as a ornamental plant on the Canary Islands), of that very interesting for our garden as alternative for the Tree Paradise Flower when refrained from the flowers and fruits. There are no experiences with the outdoor culture but first outdoor tests were begun, the hardiness is much promised, there one group of plants have already survived 10°F through frozen in a greenhouse in Belgium. Possibly as hardy as Musa basjoo and sikkimensis, to USDA zone 8 or 7. The growth size in our area is still unknown, at the same the flowers and fruits. Whether it is a primitive culture type cannot be recognized either. It isn't still obviously proved, which banana species it is, with safety it is neither Musa basjoo nor balbisiana. But you should outplant this species only as mature plant which already has a partly wooded corm and pups, older are more hardier than younger.

Musa sp. Yangste in September 2002, the plant is now approx. 10 feet tall, the leaves are darkgreen with bluish tone, the middle rib is reddish

Musa sp. Yangste in September 2002 with pups, the pups are already more than 3 feet tall, the total plant is very firm.