PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Musa acuminata
Wild Banana / Blood Banana
Colla, 1820
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Musa acuminata is a giant perennial herbaceous plant, fundamental in agricultural history as the primary progenitor of the edible banana. Unlike commercial varieties, the wild banana is characterized by producing fruits filled with hard black seeds and very little pulp. The plant features a robust pseudostem formed by overlapping leaf bases, reaching heights of 3 to 7 meters (10-23 feet). Its leaves are immense and bright green, often with reddish patches in younger individuals. The inflorescence is a pendulous bunch ending in a large dark purple or reddish bud, composed of fleshy bracts that open to reveal tubular white or yellowish flowers. Its fruits are slender, arched fingers that turn yellow when ripe. It is an architectural species that defines transition landscapes and riverbanks in humid tropical zones.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Zingiberales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Musaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Musa
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Colla, 1820
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Originally from Southeast Asia but naturalized throughout the Neotropical wet tropics. It thrives on the edges of virgin jungles, roadsides, and especially in rich alluvial soils near rivers and streams. It requires high rainfall, constant warm temperatures, and soils with excellent drainage but high moisture retention. In Costa Rica, it is extremely common in the Caribbean and Central and Southern Pacific lowlands.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a pioneer species that rapidly colonizes open spaces with high humidity. Its reproduction is highly efficient thanks to ornithophily and chiropterophily; its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds during the day and fruit bats at night. As a fast-growing plant, it provides quick soil cover and its organic remains (old leaves and pseudostems) decompose rapidly, enriching the substrate with potassium.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
300.0 - 700.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Rhizomatous and clonal growth: It has a massive underground corm or stem that stores energy and water. This adaptation allows the plant to generate multiple shoots (suckers), ensuring the survival of the colony even if the main pseudostem is damaged by winds or herbivores.
Fragile leaf architecture: The immense leaf blades are designed to tear laterally between parallel veins under high wind pressure. This 'safety mechanism' prevents air resistance from toppling the entire plant during tropical storms, maintaining the integrity of the pseudostem.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Competition with commercial varieties: The introduction of more productive and disease-resistant triploid cultivars often displaces wild populations of Musa acuminata, reducing the genetic diversity needed for future banana breeding.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The ancestor with seeds: Unlike the supermarket banana, which is sterile, the wild Musa acuminata fruit is difficult to eat because it contains hundreds of hard seeds the size of a peppercorn, reminding us that the commercial banana is a domesticated genetic accident.