Saba Banana (Musa )

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Categorized as: Banana,Edible Fruit/Nuts

May 06, 2010 | 1740 Views | 0 Comments

Musa Saba originally comes from the Philippines where it is commonly cooked and eaten as a staple. The plant is very large and sturdy; perhaps one of the largest bananas we've ever seen (note John standing next to one in the photos). It can grow up to 25 feet and is very tolerant to cold and resistant to wind. The trunk can be as thick as 18 inches.

Family: Musaceae
Genus: Musa
Species: None Identified
Cultivar: Saba

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 8a: to 10 °F
USDA Zone 8b: to 15 °F
USDA Zone 9a: to 20 °F
USDA Zone 9b: to 25 °F

Height:

15-20 ft.
20-30 ft.

Light Exposure:

Full Sun
10% to 40% Shade

Growth Rate:

Very Fast
Fast

Musa Saba will likely only reach it's full height in tropical locations. In our zone (8a) we've attempted to protect the pseudo-stem, but to date have not been able to protect it sufficiently over winter. The banana always dies back to the ground and returns in the Spring. It's a fairly fast grower and can reach 6-8' before winter.