Musa balbisiana, also known simply as plantain, is a wild-type species of banana. A new variety of this species, Musa balbisiana var. bhutanensis, has been discovered in Tingtibi, Zhemgang by Phub Gyeltshen and his team.
Locals have been using this plant as fodder and vegetable for centuries, but now it has been identified as a unique variety. It differs from other varieties of Musa balbisiana due to presence of:
- Longer peduncle
- Oblong to broadly ovate bracts
- Creamy anther with a pink tinge
- Shorter but more numerous seeds per fruit
Currently, its conservation status is Data Deficient (DD), meaning more research is needed to assess its population and threats. Given Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, this discovery highlights the country’s ecological significance.
