Musa coccinea

plant

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July 1, 2026

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Musa coccinea is a species within the banana family, Musaceae. While common bananas (Musa sapientum) and plantains (Musa paradisiaca) are important food sources, Musa coccinea is primarily ornamental. It is known for its striking scarlet flowers but produces inedible fruit. The Musaceae family, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, includes about 50 species across two genera, Musa and Ensete. These plants are characterized by large leaves and flower clusters subtended by colorful bracts.12

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Musaceae
…of wild bananas, such as M. coccinea, have ornamental scarlet flowers but inedible fruit. M. textilis from the Philippines furnishes Manila hemp, also called abaca fibre. The genus Ensete of Africa produces no edible bananas, but the flower stalk of one species, E. ventricosa, is edible after cooking. Species of…
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…of wild bananas, such as M. coccinea, have ornamental scarlet flowers but inedible fruit. M. textilis from the Philippines furnishes Manila hemp, also called abaca fibre. The genus Ensete of Africa produces no edible bananas, but the flower stalk of one species, E. ventricosa, is edible after cooking. Species of…
Read More