Scientific name: Musa sikkimensis 'Red Tiger'
Darjeeling banana (Musa sikkimensis) in the ornamental clone 'Red Tiger' — a giant herbaceous perennial (not a true tree) reaching 3-4 m, with a stout green-reddish pseudostem. Its hallmark is the juvenile foliage: large blades (up to 2 m) marked with irregular deep burgundy-brown blotches and stripes over light green, and a reddish midrib beneath. The blotching is strongest on young leaves and fades as the leaf matures; its intensity depends on light and temperature. The species is native to the eastern Himalaya (Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan) at 1,000-1,800 m, making it one of the most cold-tolerant bananas in the genus Musa. Fruits are small (6-10 cm) with hard black seeds and little edible pulp — the cultivar's value is primarily ornamental and for collectors.
1,800 ₪
Prices are updated according to nursery stock. Nationwide shipping in Israel; self-pickup is free.
Red Tiger Banana (Musa sikkimensis 'Red Tiger') — Darjeeling banana (Musa sikkimensis) in the ornamental clone 'Red Tiger' — a giant herbaceous perennial (not a true tree) reaching 3-4 m, with a stout green-reddish pseudostem. Its hallmark is the juvenile foliage: large blades (up to 2 m) marked with irregular deep burgundy-brown blotches and stripes over light green, and a reddish midrib beneath. The blotching is strongest on young leaves and fades as the leaf matures; its intensity depends on light and temperature. The species is native to the eastern Himalaya (Sikkim, Darjeeling, Bhutan) at 1,000-1,800 m, making it one of the most cold-tolerant bananas in the genus Musa. Fruits are small (6-10 cm) with hard black seeds and little edible pulp — the cultivar's value is primarily ornamental and for collectors.
During the first two years water regularly — 2–3 times a week in summer, and in winter according to rainfall and soil moisture, letting the top layer dry between waterings. Established trees need less frequent irrigation. Good drainage matters most: standing water at the roots is more harmful than under-watering.
Protect young plants from frost with fleece, mulch, or by growing them in a container that can be moved to a sheltered spot. Mature trees are more resilient; in colder areas plant in a wind-sheltered corner.
Time to fruiting depends on plant size and propagation method: grafted plants fruit earlier than seedlings. Buying a larger, developed plant shortens the wait considerably. Regular watering, seasonal fertilizing, and correct placement have the greatest influence on first flowering.
You can buy Red Tiger Banana plants directly at Fill the Land nursery, 27 HaSe'ora St, Tzrufa, with nationwide shipping. Details and ordering: https://malo-et-haaretz.com/en/plant/musa-sikkimensis-red-tiger.
עברית — בננה טייגר אדומה מנומרת - Musa sikkimensis 'Red Tiger'