jen

I keep seeing bananas in peoples yards and I would love to be able to tell what kind they are. Even just id'ing a few would be great. I know there are LOTS so I don't expect to know them all..unlike a few on this board. You amazing freaks you!! I'm so jealous. Anyway, is there a way to determine certain varieties? Leaf size, color? Is there a book or a web site that teaches you how to differentiate bananas? They all kinda look the same. I was walking with my husband and there is a gorgeous banana that is just starting to fruit with large bananas and my husband said, "what kind is it"? I had no idea...it is green and ummmm has bananas. I have no idea!

Can anyone reccomend a book or website or any tips for me?

Jen

Richard

Jen,

Our member inkcube will come out with a book in a year or two. I would recommend posting pictures of the naners you want to identify. People here will have fun solving the "puzzle", and also everyone (including you and me) will learn a lot about varieties from their comments.

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Back in business at plantsthatproduce.com

TracyWV

It just takes exposure to different varieties and experience(time) to begin identifying them. Some differences are subtle and some are extreme. It also is often easier to tell what a banana is not rather than what it is. There are just so many cultivars, many uncommon and not yet named. I'm not sure about good books for identification but I don't think you'll find any websites better than this one. Check out the Wiki and the Photo Gallery. Use the search engines in them to search for a certain type and then study the information and pictures to learn about that particular variety. You will learn about common traits and which bananas have which traits and which ones don't. Then if you have a certain question that is still unanswered about a variety like "Do 'Basjoo's have a waxy(glaucous) coating on the pseudostem?" or "do young 'Ice Cream's have red spots on the leaves like 'Cavendish' do?" just ask in the forum. You'll get answers and learn more about bananas as you go. Before you know it you'll be helping people figure out what they have... or don't have.

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Tracy

jen

I will have to check out that book when it comes out.

I hope your right Tracy, I want to be able to help people id. I guess you are right about exposure. I have learned about different plants and palm trees over the years and this banana thing is totally new to me. I guess it will just come with time. I know about the kinds I have so I guess your right.
Hmmm...maybe I just need one of every kind of banana and then I will have it down. I knew I would find an excuse to buy more nana's.

Thanks.

Jen

Chironex

Any reason to buy more bananas is good enough for me!

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Scot

CookieCows

Tracy, you hit the nail right on the head! I know very little..... but on the other hand I know alot compared to what I knew this time last year.

Yes Jen, you should buy more nanas..... DEFINITLY!

Deb

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Bananaman88

The book Bananas You Can Grow by James Waddick is a good basic book. Is it available in paperback and around 128 pages. It certainly isn't very in-depth but there are some good pictures and good information. All-in-all, I feel it is a good beginners book. You used to be able to order it from Stokes Tropicals site but you might also check out Amazon.com.

natedogg1026

Yes, it is a good book. It really is beneficial to beginners-Nate

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Banana's are a safe addiction. Right?Maybe I need classes.

jen

I checked and they have it at Target. Score! Thanks guys.

Jen