The spelling of the word "Musa Basjoo" can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the botanical name of the hardy banana plant. It is pronounced /ˈmjuːsə ˈbæsjuː/ and the first word, "Musa," refers to the genus of plants that the banana plant belongs to. The second word, "Basjoo," is a Japanese name that was assigned to the plant by a botanist in the early 20th century. Despite its complex spelling, the Musa Basjoo is a popular ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and cold tolerance.
Musa Basjoo, commonly known as the Basjoo banana, is a species of perennial, herbaceous plant that belongs to the Musaceae family. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, it is a closely related subspecies of the common banana plant. The Basjoo banana is renowned for its robustness and adaptability, making it a popular ornamental plant in various climates around the world.
This banana species usually reaches a height of about 8 to 12 feet, although some mature specimens can grow up to 18 feet tall. It has large, elongated leaves that are bright green in color and can measure up to 9 feet long. The leaves are deeply veined and usually have a rough texture, giving the plant a tropical appearance.
While the Basjoo banana thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, what sets it apart from other banana species is its exceptional cold tolerance. It can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) with proper protection, making it suitable for cultivation in colder zones. Despite this cold hardiness, Musa Basjoo is not typically cultivated for its fruit, as its bananas are inedible due to their high seed content and small size.
Due to its striking foliage and ability to add a tropical vibe to gardens, Musa Basjoo is often utilized as an ornamental plant, both in residential and commercial settings. It is frequently grown as a potted plant or used in landscaping, providing a lush and exotic touch to outdoor environments.
The word "Musa Basjoo" is a botanical name for a species of banana plant. Its etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Musa: This word comes from the Latin name for bananas. It has its roots in the Arabic word "موز" (mawz) and ultimately traces back to the Ancient Greek word "μουσα" (mousa), which refers to the fruit.
2. Basjoo: This part of the name comes from a Japanese word pronounced as "basho" (ばしょう), which is the Japanese name for the species of banana plant. The character "バ" (ba) represents the sound "ba" while "ショウ" (shou) represents "sho" in the Hepburn romanization system.