Hainan Banana

Hainan Banana

　　Hainan Banana — A plant of the Musaceae family, it is a tropical and subtropical fruit. The stem can be used medicinally to promote diuresis and treat cerebral thrombosis; the root can treat colds and stomachaches. Legend has it that in ancient times, a Mr. Feng one summer evening saw a green-clad maiden pass by his study window, who was extremely beautiful. When he asked her, she claimed to be "Banana Clan." Feng tried to pull the maiden into his room, but she refused and hurried away. Feng only managed to tear off a piece of her clothing, which he hid under his mat that night. The next day, he found it had turned into a banana leaf — it turned out the maiden was the banana spirit in disguise.

　　 Bananas belong to the Musaceae family and are perennial herbaceous plants with rhizomes. Their leaves are tender green and lovely, growing up to 3 to 5 meters long and 40 to 70 centimeters wide, with plants reaching heights of 5 to 7 meters. The flowers bloom from midsummer to mid-autumn. Flowers as large as wine cups, red as lotus blossoms, are called Red Banana; those white as wax are called Water Banana; those ivory-colored are called Ivory Banana. Bananas are excellent shade trees for gardens.

　　 Native to Southeast Asia and southern China, bananas thrive in warmth and light but can tolerate shade, showing strong adaptability. They grow best at temperatures between 15.5°C and 35°C, with an optimal range of 24°C to 32°C. For winter protection, wrap the stems with straw and cover the roots with soil to prevent frost damage. They require deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil, with alluvial sandy loam and a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 being most suitable. Propagation is done through suckers by division. Once suckers grow over 40 cm tall, they can be separated and replanted to form new plants. Field-grown bananas should not remain in the same spot for too long; generally, the location should be changed every 3 to 5 years for vigorous growth.

　　 When banana seedlings have grown 1 to 2 leaves, piercing two horizontal holes at the base of the stem with a woman’s hairpin or thick needle can inhibit their growth, making them excellent material for potted plants. Planting one or two graceful banana seedlings in a rectangular pot, accompanied by an ornamental rock and a figure playing the zither, creates the “Banana, Rock, and Zither” potted scene.

　　 The Song Dynasty poet Li Qingzhao wrote: “Who planted the banana tree before my window? Its shade fills the courtyard. Leaf after leaf, heart after heart, unfurling in the remaining light, especially clear.” Tang Dynasty poet Yao He wrote in his poem “Banana Screen”: “Banana plants grow in thick clusters, casting uneven shadows in the sunlight. Their leaves are as big as walls, forming a screen at my door. Their rustling is faint, bringing quiet to my ears and eyes.”

　　 Functions of Bananas:

　　 Treats: 1. All kinds of swelling and toxicity — apply mashed banana root to the affected area. 2. Migratory red rash — same treatment as above. 3. Wind-fire toothache and tooth decay — take a bowl of banana root juice, heat it, and use it as a mouthwash. 4. Diabetes and joint irritation — drink one or two ge (ancient unit, approx. 20 ml) of banana root juice as needed. 5. Dysuria with pain — boil equal parts banana root and Eclipta prostrata, take twice daily. 6. Early-stage swelling and toxicity — burn banana leaves until carbonized, grind into powder, mix with ginger juice, and apply. 7. Heart pain — burn banana flowers until carbonized, grind into powder. Take two qian (approx. 6–7 grams) per dose, washed down with salt water.