Musa x paradisiaca Ae Ae (Royal Variegated Banana)

Musa x paradisiaca 'Ae Ae' (Royal Variegated Banana) broad foliage with white and green coloration.

Botanical name: Musa x paradisiaca Ae Ae

Common names: Royal Variegated Banana, Variegated Hawaiian Banana, Sacred Banana, Ae Ae Hybrid Plantain Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Hawaii

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit

Fruit type: Banana

Plant form: Small tree

Mature height: 10-20 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.

Watering: Regular

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Foliage color: Ornamental foliage

Musa x paradisiaca is the accepted name for the hybrid between Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Musa x paradisiaca 'Ae Ae' has green and white variegated foliage and the peel on the fruit is also variegated. Flowering and fruiting of bananas occur year-round where they are hardy outdoors. The beautiful coloring of the variegated leaves and bananas makes it very desirable. It is a beautiful banana, they say there is a reason it is only for the elite in society...

It likes slightly acid soil for the leaves to have good variegation. It may flower and fruit at any season of the year. Prefers full sun, but in hot areas should be protected from burning sun especially before stablished. It does not travel well and for a pup to be viable, it has to be fairly large. In areas with too hot and too bright sun, it may not do well in full sun, and dry conditions scorch them. Need some special care to show its best: acid soil (ph 6.0 or less), partial shade and protection from high winds to prevent drying and sun burning.

It can be grown in a container as a specimen.

See video: How to get variegated vanilla bananas: discovering natural banana with seeds