174 



TROPICAL FRUITS 



it is to grow. After getting a firm hold of the tree it requires no 

 further attention. 



Musa sapientum (Scitamineae, Ginger family). Plantain or 

 Banana; "Kehel" S. "Vala" T. A small quick-growing tree 

 1 to 20 ft. high, with a herbaceous stem composed of the succulent 



"SUWANDALE PLANTAIN OR BANANA. 



leaf stalks. As regards utility combined with magnificence, this 

 must be considered one of the most remarkable of tropical 

 products. When the plant is about eighteen months old the enor- 

 mous flower-stalk issues from the centre of the crown of leaves, and 

 curves over with its own weight. The flowers are in clusters, and 

 alternate with large reddish succulent scales ; the latter drop off 

 as the fruit stalk develops, and the ovaries of the flowers rapidly 



