Abaca, Manila hemp
Musa textilis
Family: Musaceae
What it is like
A tall banana like plant. It grows 6-7 m high. The trunk is green or purple. It forms suckers. The leaves are held at a high angle. The flowering bunch comes out horizontal. There are up to 6 widely spaced hands of fruit. The fruit are 5-7 cm long. They have many irregular shaped seeds.
There are about 30 Musa species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines (country/location of origin), SE Asia, USA
How it is used for food
The unopened flowers are cooked.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, pith, flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Punti