Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman

Nonwoody gigantic herb

Flowering: October-February. Flowering: October-February.

A very large and tall banana usually cultivated in home stead or generally grows uncared in marginal areas about 4 - 7m tall. Spadix drooping with an ovate spathe. The fruits have seeds in them

Moist places

The pulp of the ripe fruit is eaten, considered highly medicinal to feed infant and patients. Young Shoots (Pseudo stem) and flowering part called 'Koldil' are also eaten as vegetable. Considered a high source of iron

Nutritional Value

Energy 90kcal; carbohydrate 22.84gm; protein 1.09gm; total fat 0.33gm; dietry fibres 2.6 gm; vitamin C 8.7 mg; vitamin E 0.10 mg; sodium 1mg; potassium 358 mg; calcium 5 mg; magnesium 27 mg; phosphorus 22mg; zinc 0.15mg & small amount of alpha & beta-carotene, per 100gm

Considered highly medicinal by local people. It is useful for treatment of intestinal disorders and coronary diseases. It is also reported to be useful in treatment of uric arthritis and gout. Consumption of Banana helps in keeping healthy eye sight and is very useful in the treatment of anemia. The dried leaf and outer cover of the fruit are burnt and prepare an alkaline substance called Kala Khar' used to make a local delicacy called 'Khar'. The whole plant or parts are also used in different religious as well as domestic celebrations