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Description
The Musella Lasiocarpa, commonly known as the Golden Lotus Banana, is a unique and beautiful plant that belongs to the banana family, Musaceae. It is native to the Yunnan province in China, where it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of up to 2500 meters. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental qualities, as it produces striking yellow flowers that resemble lotus blossoms. The flowers are long-lasting and can bloom for up to six months, making this plant a popular choice for gardeners and collectors alike.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Angiosperms | Monocots | Zingiberales | Musaceae | Musella |
Appearance
The Musella Lasiocarpa is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a pseudostem that is composed of overlapping leaf sheaths, which give it a sturdy and upright appearance. The leaves are large, with a length of up to 1 meter, and have a glossy green color. The plant produces a beautiful inflorescence that consists of a large, spherical bract that encloses many small, tubular flowers. The bract is golden yellow in color and resembles a lotus flower, hence the common name “Golden Lotus Banana”. The flowers are followed by small, banana-like fruits that are inedible.
Care Guide
The Musella Lasiocarpa is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some guidelines for caring for your Golden Lotus Banana:- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. Water it regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The Musella Lasiocarpa prefers a rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. It is important that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged conditions.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to protect it from the hottest afternoon sun.- Hardiness Zones: The Musella Lasiocarpa is hardy to USDA zones 8-11. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C), but it is best to protect it from frost and freezing temperatures.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Musella Lasiocarpa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
The Musella Lasiocarpa is native to the Yunnan province in China, where it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of up to 2500 meters. It prefers cool and moist conditions, with temperatures ranging from 50-80°F (10-27°C). The plant can tolerate some drought, but it is best to keep it well-watered to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the meaning of the scientific name “Musella Lasiocarpa”?A: The genus name “Musella” is in honor of Italian botanist Giuseppe Musa, while the species name “Lasiocarpa” means “hairy fruit” in Greek, referring to the fuzzy appearance of the fruit.Q: Is the Musella Lasiocarpa edible?A: No, the fruit of the Musella Lasiocarpa is inedible.Q: How often should I fertilize my Golden Lotus Banana?A: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).Q: Can the Musella Lasiocarpa tolerate direct sunlight?A: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to protect it from the hottest afternoon sun.
Related Plants
– Ensete Ventricosum (Abyssinian Banana)- Musa Acuminata (Dwarf Banana)- Musa Basjoo (Japanese Fiber Banana)- Musa Itinerans (Burma Banana)- Musa Velutina (Pink Banana)
References
1. Bananas.org. (n.d.). Musella Lasiocarpa. https://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musella_Lasiocarpa2. Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Musella Lasiocarpa. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c8913. Plant Delights Nursery. (n.d.). Musella Lasiocarpa (Golden Lotus Banana). https://www.plantdelights.com/products/musella-lasiocarpa
