Musa Acuminata Zebrina
Contents
Description
Musa Acuminata Zebrina, commonly known as the “zebra plant” or “blood banana,” is a tropical plant native to the Philippines. It is a member of the Musaceae family and is one of the most striking banana cultivars due to its unique coloring. The plant’s leaves have a bright green base with bold maroon stripes, giving it a zebra-like appearance. It can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and produces small, sweet bananas that are not typically sold commercially.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Musaceae |
| Genus | Musa |
Appearance
Musa Acuminata Zebrina is known for its striking appearance. Its leaves are large and elongated with a bright green base and bold maroon stripes that run vertically along the leaf. The plant’s pseudo-stem is also a reddish-maroon color. The plant produces small, sweet bananas that are not typically sold commercially. The bananas are about 3-4 inches long and have a slightly tangy flavor.
Care Guide
Musa Acuminata Zebrina requires specific care to thrive. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: The plant needs consistent moisture, so water it regularly. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Use a soil mix that contains perlite or sand to increase drainage.- Sunlight: The plant needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Musa Acuminata Zebrina thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Musa Acuminata Zebrina can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and stunted growth. Use a miticide to control infestations.- Banana weevils: These pests can cause damage to the plant’s roots, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. Use a systemic insecticide to control infestations.- Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease can cause the plant’s leaves to yellow and wilt. There is no cure for this disease, so it’s important to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Musa Acuminata Zebrina is native to the Philippines and thrives in tropical climates. It prefers well-draining soil and consistent moisture. It can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 or in a greenhouse or indoor environment.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Musa Acuminata Zebrina be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Q: Can the bananas be eaten?
A: Yes, the bananas are small, sweet, and edible. However, they are not typically sold commercially.
Q: How tall can Musa Acuminata Zebrina grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 6-8 feet tall.
Q: Is Musa Acuminata Zebrina easy to care for?
A: This plant requires specific care, but with proper attention, it can thrive.
Related Plants
– Musa Acuminata- Musa Basjoo- Musa Velutina
References
– “Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=248332&isprofile=0&.- “Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’.” Plant Care Today, 6 May 2020, plantcaretoday.com/musa-acuminata-zebrina.html.- “Musa acuminata ‘Zebrina’ (Blood Banana).” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/banana/blood-banana.htm.
