Musa yunnanensis
We’ve grown Musa yunnanensis since 2006, although it was not described as a new species until 2007. This hardy banana hails from the Mekong River drainage in Yunnan, China, but has thrived for us, forming a 20′ tall specimen, despite dying back to the ground in our winters. The new leaves emerge red underneath, but the color quickly fades, unlike the glaucous white-waxy trunk. So far, our plants have survived 9 degrees F with no winter protection. The giant leaves also double as a great toga party costume…duct tape not included.
