Musa coccinea aka Scarlet Banana

Taxonomy

Musa coccinea, also known as scarlet banana or red-flowering banana, is an evergreen, palm-like, suckering perennial. Native to tropical China and Vietnam, it belongs to the banana and plantain family Musaceae. This bat-pollinated plant has a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 20 and is classified in section Callimusa. Its flower cluster consists of erect spirals of red bracts that enclose tubular yellow flowers. The small, orange, inedible fruits contain seeds and measure only about 2 cm (0.8 in) in length. M. coccinea is primarily cultivated for its ornamental value and is often grown alongside heliconias in commercial farms in Hawaii. However, it requires protection during the winter months in temperate zones as it cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). This species has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the UK. Additionally, M. coccinea is a known host of the red palm mite (Raoiella indica) in the New World.

Common names

Scarlet Banana, Okinawa Torch, Red Flowering Banana

How to care for Scarlet Banana

Difficulty

Scarlet Banana presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Lighting

Scarlet Banana thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Red Flowering Banana.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Scarlet Banana to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia