FRUITS 1 75 



the lakatan, which is yellow. The morada is a very rich 

 variety, brownish red in color, probably introduced from 

 tropical America. In general, the finest varieties require 

 the longest time before they mature. It is usual in Eng- 

 lish to call the varieties which are eaten raw, bananas ; 

 while those which must be cooked arc called plantains. 



Climate and 

 Soil. The ba- 

 nana is a tropical 

 plant, and most 

 varieties are killed 

 by frost. It en- 

 dures shade, but 

 bears more fruit 

 in the sunshine, 

 in places where 



Fir,. 115. The morada banana 



shade is not 



needed. Like abaca, it cannot endure wind, nor dry air, 



J 



and must be sheltered and shaded if exposed to them. 

 The soil, also, must be moist ; the more water it contains 

 the better, if it also contains air. Heavy soil is better 

 than light. Rich soil is more necessary for the banana 

 than for the abaca". Unless it is very rich, it should be 

 fertilized freely. 



Planting and Cultivation. Bananas are propagated by 

 transplanting the suckers which grow up around old 

 plants. If they bear any unrolled leaves, these leaves 

 should be cut off. The ground should be fine and rich 

 where bananas are to be planted. Half a kilo of ashes 



