Cavendish Banana (Musa Acuminata)
Cavendish Banana (Musa Acuminata)
Number of Years of Life of Tree – Generally it takes 10-15months for its “lifespan” because after it fruits the tree dies off, but a new sprout (sucker) replaces it. These all grow from the corm. The base of the banana tree. It has a longer lifespan, however commercial growers tend to replant after 4 years because it doesn’t produce as much fruit following 4 years. Corms will still continue to live well beyond the 4 years.
When Will First Fruit – It will begin to fruit before the first year is finished but often will not finish fruiting until just after a year.
Bananas do not have a specific season, they are available and grow all year round. They do like plenty of water and sun though. Humid environments are great conditions for bananas.
As mentioned above, it will productively fruit for at least 4 years, but will continue for long after because it keeps re-sprouting through the corm.
Cavendish bananas were originally thought to come from China
Annual average rainfall in China is 521mm
Musa Acuminata
Fruit is useful for consumption, but can also be turned into Banana Flour, Beer and can also be made into banana fibers, and also banana paper. It can be used well in a mulch circle because it creates a lot of hummus and is primarily water so when it is composted and mulched it breaks down and can hold and distribute moisture.
Cavendish Banana trees mature around 3m height and foliage can be about 3-4m. They have a bare trunk and can be walked around. The leaves are all based around the top of the tree. Fruit hangs from the top as well but below the other leaves. Trunk diameter ranges but average around 50cms. They can be a good wind break, and have all sorts of uses for the leaves in terms of making baskets, weaving etc.
Challenges for Banana trees is disease. There have been many diseases come over banana crops. Bunch Top Virus is the most common for the cavendish variety. They look stunted growth and may not produce as much or any fruit. The other challenge has been extreme weather events in Australia. Cyclones have completely wiped out many banana crop in northern QLD. Often in larger plantations the bananas on the perimeter absorb most of the wind and weather and don’t produce as much fruit as the ones that are protected by the outer layer.
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