Lady Finger bananas can grow to a height of 25 ft (7.5 m). Its pseudostem is slender and streaked with reddish brown, but it has a heavy root system that makes it resistant to wind damage. It is resistant to drought and Black Weevil, but is susceptible to Sigatoka. It blooms during mid-summer, late summer, and early fall. It is monocarpic and is propagated asexually. The fruit is 4 to 5 inches (10-12.5 cm) in length, and light yellow. The skin is thin and the flesh is sweet. 12 to 20 fingers are borne in each hand, with each bunch typically having 10 to 14 hands. Lady Finger bananas are eaten fresh or used in desserts. They are known for being sweeter than the common Cavendish-type bananas. Dwarf Lady Finger bananas, typically growing only up to 15 ft in height, are also cultivated as houseplants
|
