Thread: Sum x cross
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Old 10-26-2009, 12:58 AM   #11 (permalink)
Gabe15
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Default Re: Sum x cross

It is actually short for "sumatrana", which is a subspecies of Musa acuminata. This plant is a supposed hybrid between Musa acuminata subsp. sumatrana (a seeded wild species) and Musa 'Gran Nain' (an edible Cavendish), the sumatrana being the female and 'Gran Nain' being the male. It was performed by Bill Lessard and is described in his book "The Complete Book of Bananas". However, since 'Gran Nain' does not produce pollen and decades of banana breeding have never had success using any Cavendish in breeding due its complete sterility, it's hard to say how valid the story is.

Basically, whatever 'Sum x cross' is, its an ornamental banana that does not make edible fruit.
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