This new Variegated Banana hybrid was grown from seed by Fermin Garcia Rayes at TopTropicals. It is a seedling of a variegated Banana that grows on our property (obtained from Thailand), originally labeled as variety Ae-Ae, but has less variegation than Ae-Ae (similar to variety "Florida"). Only selected leaves of the mother plant occasionally come out variegated. The plant is very large, can grow over 20 ft tall, fast clumping, and very vigorous (unlike Ae Ae which is very fussy and not easy to establish). Edible bananas are short, 4-5", very sweet, with a mild vanilla flavor. They have seeds inside, so this is the original natural species, not genetically modified.
About Ae Ae: Ae-Ae was first found in Hawaii, it is a very rare collectible Banana and yet it is fruiting year round. It 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 established. 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. It can be grown in a container as a specimen. Musa AeAe is hard to find, and very expensive plant. Keep in mind, it is not easy to grow!