The
plant species Musa ingens is the physically largest member of the
family Musaceae. Growing in the tropical montane forests of New
Guinea - Arfak Mountains Regency - Indonesia, its leaves can reach a
length of 5 meters (16 feet) and a width of 1 m (39 inches). The
"trunk" (actually the tightly rolled petioles (or stalks)
of its leaves; the longest petioles of any known plant) is typically
up to 49 feet (15 meters) in height, and with the leaves having a
total height of 66 feet (20 meters). However, since its discovery in
1954 taller individuals up to one hundred feet (30 meters) have been
reported, but these measurements have yet to be confirmed by a
specific scientific study. Photos exist of M. ingens "trunks"
up to 37 inches (94 cm) in diameter at breast height. Its fruit,
in a cluster weighing up to 132 lbs (60 kg), is inedible.
This cluster is borne on a peduncle up to 4 inches (10 cm) thick
and up to 49 ft (15 m) in length, again the longest of any
known plant.
SOWING ADVICES:
Abrade a small portion of each seed with sand paper or on a rough brick or similar, then soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing 2cm deep in a good loamy compost. Keep in a propagator or warm place, at between 20 and 25 degrees C, and do not exclude light. Germination can be erratic, usually taking between 2 to 12 months, sometimes longer, so do not discard the seed pots. Pot on small plants frequently in a coarse loose compost to achieve huge plants very quickly.