Bush banana plant for sale

The Bush Banana: A Tropical Treasure Waiting to Adorn Your Garden and Plate

The world of edible plants is vast and wondrous, offering a delightful array of flavors, textures, and culinary possibilities. Among these treasures, the Bush Banana (scientific name: Ensete superbum) stands out as a particularly intriguing and rewarding specimen. While not a true banana in the genus Musa, this robust, tropical plant offers a unique culinary experience and a striking ornamental presence, making it an increasingly sought-after addition to gardens and homesteads. If you’re considering adding a touch of the exotic to your landscape and your kitchen, the Bush Banana plant for sale might just be the perfect choice.

What Exactly is a Bush Banana?

Despite its common name, the Bush Banana is not closely related to the sweet, yellow fruits we commonly associate with the genus Musa. Instead, it belongs to the family Musaceae, but to the genus Ensete. Native to the tropical regions of Africa, Ensete superbum is a large, herbaceous perennial that can grow to impressive heights, often reaching 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet) tall. Its most distinctive feature is its striking, pseudostem, which is not a true stem but rather tightly packed leaf sheaths, similar to its banana cousins.

The leaves are large, broad, and a vibrant green, creating a lush, tropical ambiance. However, unlike the edible fruits of Musa bananas, the Bush Banana produces a large, cylindrical, and typically indehiscent fruit that is not usually eaten raw due to its starchy and somewhat astringent nature. Instead, it is the underground corm, a swollen stem base, that is the primary edible part of the plant. This corm is rich in starch and, when properly prepared, can be a versatile and nutritious food source.

Why Grow a Bush Banana?

The allure of the Bush Banana extends beyond its unique culinary potential. Here are several compelling reasons why you might consider purchasing a Bush Banana plant:

• Exotic Ornamental Value: The sheer size and architectural form of the Bush Banana make it a stunning focal point in any tropical or subtropical garden. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves create a dramatic and verdant display, instantly transporting you to a faraway paradise. It can add a sense of grandeur and lushness, especially when planted in groups or as a standalone specimen.
• Unique Culinary Exploration: For the adventurous cook and gardener, the Bush Banana offers a gateway to exploring new flavors and textures. The starchy corm, when cooked, can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, from hearty porridges to savory accompaniments. This is a plant that rewards effort with a truly distinctive culinary experience.
• Resilience and Adaptability: While native to warm climates, the Bush Banana is known for its relative resilience. It can tolerate a range of conditions, though it thrives in warm, humid environments with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade.
• Sustainable Food Source: For those interested in self-sufficiency and sustainable living, the Bush Banana offers a potential source of carbohydrate-rich food. Once established, it can provide a continuous harvest from its corms.



• Low Maintenance (Once Established): While young plants require some care, established Bush Bananas are generally low-maintenance. They are relatively drought-tolerant once their root systems are developed and are not typically plagued by the same pests and diseases that can affect common bananas.

Where to Find Bush Banana Plants for Sale:

The availability of Bush Banana plants can vary depending on your geographical location. However, here are the most common places to look:

• Specialty Tropical Plant Nurseries: These nurseries often focus on exotic and unusual plants, making them prime locations for finding Bush Bananas. Online searches for "tropical plant nursery" or "Ensete superbum for sale" in your region are a good starting point.
• Online Plant Retailers: Many reputable online nurseries now ship a wide variety of plants, including rarer specimens. Look for well-established online retailers with good reviews and clear shipping policies. Be sure to check the shipping regulations for your specific location.
• Botanical Gardens and Arboretums: Sometimes, botanical gardens or arboretums may have plant sales or offer divisions of their specimens. This is an excellent way to acquire a healthy plant and often get expert advice.
• Local Horticultural Societies and Swap Meets: These events can be treasure troves for finding unique plants from local growers. Keep an eye out for announcements from your local horticultural society.
• Seed Suppliers (with caution): While seeds are sometimes available, growing Bush Bananas from seed can be a slow and challenging process, with no guarantee of plant vigor or true-to-type characteristics. Purchasing established plants or divisions is generally recommended for quicker results and higher success rates.

What to Look for When Buying a Bush Banana Plant:

When you find a Bush Banana plant for sale, keep these factors in mind to ensure you’re getting a healthy and vigorous specimen:

• Healthy Foliage: Look for vibrant green leaves with no signs of wilting, yellowing, or significant pest damage. A few minor imperfections are normal, but overall, the leaves should look robust.
• Firm Corm: If possible, gently inspect the base of the plant. The corm should feel firm and free from rot or soft spots.
• Adequate Size: Consider the size of the plant relative to its price. A larger, more established plant will naturally cost more but will also establish faster in your garden.
• Reputable Seller: Whether buying online or in person, choose a seller with a good reputation. Read reviews, ask for references if possible, and ensure they have a clear return or replacement policy in case of issues.
• Proper Packaging (for online purchases): If ordering online, check reviews regarding the seller’s packaging methods. Plants should be secured to prevent damage during transit and protected from extreme temperatures.

Cultivating Your Bush Banana:

Once you have your Bush Banana plant, providing it with the right conditions will ensure its thriving growth:

• Climate: Bush Bananas thrive in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA zones 9-11). In cooler regions, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
• Sunlight: They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates where some afternoon shade might be beneficial.
• Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil is crucial. Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will improve drainage and fertility.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
• Pest and Disease Management: While generally robust, keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Good air circulation and proper watering can help prevent fungal diseases.

The Culinary Potential: Harvesting and Preparing the Corm

The edible part of the Bush Banana is its underground corm. Harvesting typically occurs when the plant is mature, usually after a few years of growth. The corm can be large and dense, requiring careful preparation.

Harvesting:

1. Maturity: Harvest when the plant has reached a significant size and appears mature.
2. Excavation: Carefully dig around the base of the plant, exposing the corm.
3. Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the corm to remove all soil.
4. Preparation: The corm needs to be peeled and then cooked. Raw corm is not palatable.

Preparation and Cooking:

The starchy corm can be prepared in various ways, similar to other starchy root vegetables. The key is to cook it thoroughly to break down the starches and reduce any potential astringency.

• Boiling/Steaming: The most common method is to boil or steam the corm until tender. This can take a significant amount of time, often 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the pieces.
• Roasting: Once boiled or steamed until partially tender, the corm can be cut into pieces and roasted with herbs and spices.
• Frying: Thinly sliced and fried, cooked corm can resemble potato chips or fries.
• Mashing: Cooked and mashed corm can be used as a base for various dishes.

Bush Banana Recipes:

Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started with your Bush Banana harvest. Remember to always cook the corm thoroughly.

Recipe 1: Simple Boiled Bush Banana Corm

This is the most basic preparation, allowing you to taste the natural flavor of the corm and serve it as a side dish.

Yields: Varies depending on corm size
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45-90 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Bush Banana corm, peeled and cut into manageable chunks
• Water for boiling
• Salt to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corm: Thoroughly wash the Bush Banana corm. Peel away the tough outer skin. Cut the corm into uniform pieces, about 1-2 inches thick.
2. Boil: Place the corm pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
3. Cook: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the corm pieces are tender when pierced with a fork. This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes or even longer, depending on the size and density of the corm.
4. Drain and Serve: Once tender, drain the corm pieces thoroughly.
5. Serving Suggestions: Serve hot as a side dish to grilled meats, fish, or stews. It can also be mashed with butter and a little milk, similar to mashed potatoes.

Recipe 2: Spiced Bush Banana Fries

A more adventurous take, transforming the starchy corm into a crispy and flavorful snack.

Yields: Varies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes (per batch)

Ingredients:

• 1 Bush Banana corm, peeled and cut into fry shapes (about ½ inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or other cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil)

Instructions:

1. Par-boil the Corm: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Bush Banana fry pieces and par-boil for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened but not fully cooked. This step helps to ensure they cook through evenly when fried. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season: In a bowl, toss the par-boiled corm pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure the pieces are evenly coated.
3. Fry: Heat about 2-3 inches of frying oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Cook in Batches: Carefully add the seasoned corm pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain and Serve: Remove the fries from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
6. Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayonnaise.

Recipe 3: Bush Banana and Coconut Mash

A comforting and flavorful mash that incorporates the richness of coconut milk.

Yields: Varies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45-75 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Bush Banana corm, peeled and cut into manageable chunks
• ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Corm: Thoroughly wash the Bush Banana corm. Peel away the tough outer skin. Cut the corm into uniform pieces.
2. Boil: Place the corm pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the corm pieces are very tender, about 45-75 minutes.
3. Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked corm pieces very well. Return them to the pot or transfer them to a bowl.
4. Add Coconut Milk and Butter: Add the coconut milk and butter (or coconut oil) to the pot with the drained corm.
5. Mash: Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the corm and coconut milk mixture until smooth or to your desired consistency. You can also use an immersion blender for a super smooth mash.
6. Season: Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Serve hot as a side dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

The Bush Banana plant is more than just a botanical curiosity; it’s a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden, offering both striking beauty and a unique culinary adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking for something new or a culinary enthusiast eager to explore exotic flavors, the Bush Banana plant for sale presents an exciting opportunity. With its tropical allure, relative resilience, and the potential for delicious, starchy harvests, this fascinating plant is a true treasure waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. So, embrace the exotic, bring home a Bush Banana, and let your garden and your kitchen bloom with tropical delight.