| Musa 'Blue Java' | |
|---|---|
 Stands inMaui, Hawaii | |
| Hybrid parentage | Musa acuminata ×balbisiana |
| Cultivar group | ABB Group[1] |
| Cultivar | 'Blue Java' |
| Origin | Southeast Asia down toNorthern Australia |
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TheBlue Java (also known as theblue banana,Ice Cream banana,Vanilla Banana,Hawaiian banana,Ney Mannan,Krie, orCenizo) is a hardy, cold-tolerantbananacultivar known for its sweet aromatic fruit, which is said to have anice cream-like consistency and flavor reminiscent ofvanilla.[2][3] It is native to Southeast Asia and is a hybrid of two species of banana native to Southeast Asia—Musa balbisiana andMusa acuminata.
The Blue Java banana is a triploid (ABB)[1] hybrid of the seeded bananaMusa balbisiana andMusa acuminata.[4]
Itsaccepted name isMusa acuminata ×balbisiana (ABB Group) 'Blue Java'.
Synonyms include:
InHawaii it is known as the 'Ice Cream banana' and inFiji as the 'Hawaiian banana'. It is also called 'Krie' in thePhilippines, 'Kepok Awu' inIndonesia and 'Cenizo' inCentral America.
Blue Java banana trees can grow to a height of 4.5 to 6 metres (15 to 20 ft). They are cold-tolerant and wind-resistant because of their strongpseudostems and root systems. The leaves are silvery green in color.[2][3]
The fruit bunches are small, bearing seven to nine hands. The fruit are 18 to 23 centimetres (7 to 9 in) in length and exhibit a characteristic silvery green color when unripe where the silveriness is caused by heavy coat of wax.[5] The fruit turn a pale yellow when ripe, with white creamy flesh. They bloom around 15 to 24 months after planting and can be harvested after 115 to 150 days. The bananas have bumps called "knuckles" due to their passing resemblance to human knuckles.[citation needed]
Blue Java bananas are popular bananas that can be eaten fresh or cooked. They are known for their fragrant flavor which has avanilla-likecustard taste.[3]
They are also popular as ornamentals and shade plants for their unusual blue coloration, large size, and tolerance to temperate climates.[6]
