880 ‘ The Philippine Journal of Science 1915 
successful production in a great variety of soils and under widely 
varying conditions. The banana is extensively cultivated in the 
tropics. For family consumption it is usually planted on the 
boundaries of an inclosure or about dwelling houses. In many 
localities there are solid plantings of thousands of hectares 
which usually give good returns as an investment. The opening 
up of large plantations, together with more thorough utilization — 
of the crop and a better knowledge of the capabilities of the 
leading varieties, would without question eventually develop an 
export trade in banana products from the Philippines. Of late 
years the demand for bananas has dargely spread to temperate 
countries and an enormous trade has resulted. 
There is a great lack of knowledge as to what varieties may 
best meet the several special purposes to which they may be 
adapted. In the present study an attempt has been made to 
begin this work for the Philippines. There are various marked 
characteristics of the flowers which will clearly separate one 
variety from another. There are also various textures and fla- - 
vors of the ripe banana. Some are acidulous and others acid- 
sweet or neutral sweet like sugar. In some of the best varieties 
the pulp is soft and melting with various colors of flesh and has 
various delicate fruity flavors, which are adapted to different 
market demands. There are others with striking peculiarities 
which adapt them to certain special uses, such as the making 
of flour or of “banana figs.” In spite of these facts the names 
of the varieties are in the greatest confusion, the same name 
frequently being applied to entirely distinct forms, while the 
same form is frequently known under many different names in 
different localities and countries. No systematic attempt has 
yet been made to bring order out of this confusion. In an 
agronomic group of such high importance as this, such a con- 
dition should no longer be tolerated. 
As the banana has become recognized as a fruit of high value, 
because of its importance as food, and as a possible source of 
many manufactured products, such as “figs,” flour, alcohol, etc., 
it is important to undertake thorough botanical studies of the 
several varieties. This is necessary in order to ascertain the 
botanical status of the varieties and races and to furnish students 
and planters with the correct names and accurate descriptions 
of all varieties under cultivation. 
ORIGIN AND HISTORY 
As far back as history reaches we know that banana root 
stocks and hearts were used as articles of food by many peoples. 
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