Musa species

photo credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Best practices for survivability and field observations

Respondents noted that water is required to establish Musa species. Cultural uses include its importance as a kinolau, food, wind protection for low growing plants, kaula, kapa dyes, medicinal uses.

Stressors and pests

Common pests include Banana Bunchy Top Virus, root weevil and corm borer which “are common problems everywhere and leeward coastal areas.” They also attract other pests like rats and mice. In addition, many noted that they are susceptible to damage by wind (and in some cases pigs). One noted that they need a lot of water to produce fruit.

Availability and propagation

Many noted that they are readily available depending on desired variety (Hawaiian cultivars are harder to find, with some varieties possibly “available by tissue culture”). Many noted that it can be grown from suckers. Another noted “transplanted shoots must have regular water.”

Survey Results

For information about the survey, refer to our article: on Coastal Plants for Creating Green Breaks