Musa Sikkimensis – The Hardy Banana Plant of the Himalayas

Musa sikkimensis is commonly known as Darjeeling banana or the hardy banana. It is native to these mountainous regions in north-eastern India: Sikkim and Darjeeling districts. It is a decorative, interesting and cold-hardy species in the genus of pachyrrhizum bananas. This article gives you a background knowledge about Musa sikkimensis, it describes the origins of this species, details the characteristics and features, explains the cultivation process and gives more insight into its uses.

 

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Origins and Natural Habitat

Musa sikkimensis occurs in the Eastern Himalayas. It is native to Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam, and the Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It grows in the subtropical and temperate forests native to these areas, most commonly at altitudes of between 1,000 and 2,000 metres above sea level. It is famed for being able to tolerate heavy rainfall, high humidity and cool winter temperatures – all of which are features of highland tropical and subtropical areas with which the Musa sikkimensis has famously adapted.

Though it was first documented in the scientific literature in the late 19th century by Sir George Watt, a botanist and agricultural scientist of Scottish origin, it has been known ever since to be a rather different and unusual-looking banana species. It was recognised as one of the cold-hardiest banana species, with known reports of this banana surviving at temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) with proper protection. The above photograph shows remnants of the Sikkim banana clump, protected with duck blanket covers, at Balslev’s Luquillo home.

Botanical Characteristics

Musa sikkimensis is a perennial herbaceous plant with a soft, non-woody stem that dies back in winter and regrows in spring. It typically grows to between 4 and 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) tall, although specimens can grow much higher under optimal conditions. In cross-section, the pseudo-stem is a stout, cylindrical structure growing from the tightly packed leaf sheaths and often has a reddish tint, especially on young plants.

Leaves

The blades of M susikkimensis are large, long and wide, having a paddle-like leaf shape, which is typical of the genus Musa. They can be three metres (10 ft) in length and up to one metre in width (3 ft). The leaf blades are long, glossy green, and wax-covered, likened to a tropical oasis. Another peculiarity of this species is the presence of dark maroon or purple streaks appearing on the lower side of its leaf blades, which enhances the features of its ornamental botanic value.

Flowers and Fruit

Musa sikkimensis produces large, showy inflorescences that grow out the top of the pseudo-stem. The flowers are borne on an inflorescence where the female flowers are at the base and the male flowers are at the tip of the stalk (a spadix). The bracts (the showy leaves of the plant that protect the flowers) are typically a pale yellow or cream colour with a reddish tinge.

After being pollinated, the flowers mature into small green gourds too tough to eat; their fruits are filled with hard seeds and provide little in the way of an edible pulp. The fruits, instead, are propagated. Rather than food, this is a lush flowering plant.

Cultivation and Care

Musa sikkimensis is a tropical plant that thrives in a broad range of climatic conditions, and so it’s a common plant for adding a slightly exotic touch to temperate gardens. It’s native to the hills of the Himalayan region, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be grown elsewhere than its natural home; it can be cultivated wherever the conditions are right.

Climate Requirements

Cold-hardiness is, in fact, a main draw for people interested in Musa sikkimensis – another unusual trait for a banana species. But, let us revisit Eisenberg’s consolation: cold-hardy bananas are not frost-resistant. They can survive the occasional cold snap, but they will need covering during the coldest of frosts. In a mild winter climate, Musa sikkimensis is a perennial that you can plant and leave in the ground year-round. In a colder climate, they can be planted in a protected spot and then covered with winter protection consisting of a wrapped insulating material on or around the pseudo-stem and existing roots (we like to use burlap or straw).

Soil and Watering

Musa sikkimensis enjoys a well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be enriched with some compost or well-rotted manure. An open, free-draining soil is important to prevent waterlogging that can cause root rot.

It will need regular watering during the growing season in spring and summer when the soil should be kept moist, but not overly water-logged. When the plant is in a dormant stage over winter, watering should not be so frequent to avoid roots sitting in cold, wet soil.

Light Requirements

Musa sikkimensis appreciates full sun to partial shade. If you are growing your banana in a hot summer climate, a little afternoon shade is good, so your tree’s leaves won’t scorch. In a cooler climate, planting in full sun will help your banana thrive, promoting faster growth.

Fertilization

Musa sikkimensis grows quickly and will produce stronger stems with periodic feeding. Apply a dose of fertiliser that is balanced (one part N, one part P, one part K, such as 10-10-10) and with a slow release rate of at least four months. Sprinkle fertiliser and water over the soil, a half pound or a pound at a time, and feed every four to six weeks during the growing season. Or, use fish emulsion or compost tea for organic fertilisers. Fertiliser can be cut back in winter months, when the plant is not growing.

Propagation

Musa sikkimensis can be propagated through seeds or by division of suckers (offshoots).

Seed Propagation

Seed-propagation is more laborious, requiring the hard, woody seeds, which need scarifying (removal of the seed coat) before sowing, followed by soaking in warm water for 24-48 hours to soften the seed coat, sowing in a well-draining potting mix, and germinating in several weeks to months.

Division of Suckers

The most common mode of vegetative propagation is by division of suckers which are shoots that arise from the base of the parent plant. These suckers, when separated from the plant and planted in a new location, will quickly strike roots and establish themselves as a new clump of this fascinating banana. Unlike propagation by seed, division of suckers creates a much faster and more reliable method by which a gardener can increase their Musa sikkimensis collection.

Landscape Uses

Musa sikkimensis in situ at the Botanical Garden / Ralph Lee HopkinsArboretum in Hopkins, in Willamina, Oregon.Beyond the beauty of its leaves and stature, it’s also a powerful ally across various different landscape genres. Its tropical leafiness, along with its stature, make it a strong focal point in cool-to-mild climates beyond the tropics where some true tropical plants might fail to thrive.

Ornamental Use

With its leafy magnificence, Musa sikkimensis is a good specimen plant for ornamental plantings. It can be planted in a stand-alone manner or it can grace borders and mixed plantings with groups of plants creating dense, tropical backgrounds. Musa sikkimensis is a good vertical element, as well as a bold infilling element in garden beds and borders.

Container Gardening

Musa sikkimensis can, in fact, be grown in containers, making it an ideal plant for patios, decks and other small spaces. In addition, plants grown in containers can be moved inside or into a more sheltered situation in the winter months, which can provide extra frost protection. When growing in containers, choose a large pot with good drainage, and be sure to check watering more regularly, as plants grown in containers can dry out faster than those planted in the ground.

Windbreak and Erosion Control

Because of its height and sheer mass of leaves, Musa sikkimensis could also provide a good windbreak in a garden. The fringed canopy will slow down and disrupt the wind, protecting more vulnerable plants. Because the plant has a dense rootbiomass, it could also be useful at preventing soil erosion along slopes and embankments.

Challenges and Pests

Though Musa sikkimensis usually grows vigorously and is quite undemanding in a temperate climate, under lesser ideal conditions it can suffer somewhat from pests and diseases.

Common Pests

The plant might be bothered by aphids, spider mites, and banana weevils like other bananas. These pests might be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, but the weevils may require more directed doses of insecticides.

Diseases

Musa sikkimensis is susceptible to a few fungal pathogens including Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) and black sigatoka (leaf spot), which thrive on humid and wet conditions. The best control strategies against these diseases are improving airflow around the plant, preventing overhead watering and removing diseased leaves.

Cold Damage

Although Musa sikkimensis is cold-hardy, cold or prolonged frost will burn it. This can be disheartening as you watch your once-vibrant ornamental banana’s leaves turn a mushy blackness and droop to the ground as they die back. But take heart – the plant will usually recover again in the spring with the beginning of a new flush of growth. Covering the base with mulch in winter and placing a mound of mulch at the base and wrapping around the pseudo-stem to prevent entry of cold air are both recommended for winter protection.