This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2011) |
Ensete glaucum, the snow banana, has also been classified as Musa nepalensis, Ensete giganteum, or Ensete wilsonii.
Ensete glaucum | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Zingiberales |
Family: | Musaceae |
Genus: | Ensete |
Species: | E. glaucum
|
Binomial name | |
Ensete glaucum |
Distribution
editThis gigantic monocarpic herbaceous plant is native to China, Nepal, India, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam and Thailand.[1]
It grows from 2,600–8,800 feet (790–2,680 m) in elevation.[citation needed]
Description
editEnsete glaucum has a thick, waxy with sometimes bluish tinge, solitary pseudostem. It grows larger than the Abyssinian Banana (Ensete ventricosum).
Its leaves are 1.4–1.8 metres (4.6–5.9 ft) long and 50–60 centimetres (20–24 in) wide.[2]
Cultivation and uses
editThe plant is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for its unique swollen bulbous base and large leaves[1] and is used to feed pigs in parts of China.[citation needed]
In India the pulp of the fruit is eaten, considered highly medicinal, and given to infants and patients. Young shoots and a flowering part are eaten as a vegetable. The plant is used in religious and domestic celebrations.[3]
It is easy to raise from seed. It is an extremely fast growing banana given heat, but not as hardy as the Abyssinian Banana (Ensete ventricosum), and is not as well known.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b "Plant Detail - Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman". NParks Flora & Fauna Web. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Ensete glaucum - Snow Banana". Flowers of India. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ^ "Ensete glaucum". India Biodiversity Portal. Archived from the original on Sep 18, 2021.
- Data related to Ensete glaucum at Wikispecies