Musa balbisiana

plant

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Musa balbisiana is a species of herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Musa, which is part of the Musaceae family. These plants are significant as they are one of the ancestral species of the common banana and plantain, which are vital food crops globally.12

The Musa genus includes plants that can grow quite tall, with a false trunk formed by tightly rolled leaf sheaths. Their large leaves are prone to tearing in wind and rain, giving them a ragged appearance. The plants produce flowers with fertile stamens, and some wild species have ornamental flowers but inedible fruit.1

The taxonomy of cultivated bananas is complex, often involving hybrids of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. These varieties are identified by their genetic makeup rather than traditional scientific names.2

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banana
Nomenclature
…hybrids of Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana or hybrids of the subspecies of M. acuminata, a genome-based system has led to an overhaul of the nomenclature of domesticated bananas. Unlike most plants, these varieties are identified by their ploidy (number of sets of chromosomes) and parent plant rather than traditional…
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…hybrids of Musa acuminata and M. balbisiana or hybrids of the subspecies of M. acuminata, a genome-based system has led to an overhaul of the nomenclature of domesticated bananas. Unlike most plants, these varieties are identified by their ploidy (number of sets of chromosomes) and parent plant rather than traditional…
Read More