Praying Hands Bananas

Musa Praying Hands Bananas are just one of the half a dozen varieties of bananas we have been growing in our permaculture food forest and more recently on the farm here in Trat, Thailand. This week however was the first time we cut down a rack of Musa Praying Hands bananas.

Praying hands banana plants (a perennial herb) produce perhaps the most unusual and distinctive of all banana fruits which are actually considered a berry.

Two adjacent hands of bananas are fused together, giving the appearance of praying hands. These banana plants are not just a collector’s item or an oddity, the fruits are actually very delicious, containing a hint of vanilla and marshmallow. When totally ripe, individual bananas can be separated from each other if you are careful not to damage the skin of the next banana in the bunch.

What Can Bananas Do For You?

Bananas are among the world’s most popular fruits and contain lots of health benefits. Just don’t mention their carbon footprint! Fortunately for us they are native to Southeast Asia, but they are now grown in many warm parts of the world and transported to all corners of the earth.

There are over a thousand different varieties of bananas in many colours (we have red bananas), sizes and shapes. A banana has about 105 calorie and is mainly water and carbs with very little protein and almost no fat. They are also high in potassium and fibre.

Banana peels also have lots of other benefits. They can be used to help to keep your teeth clean and it is said can remove warts by simply rubbing the peel on the affected area. They have also been reported to cure pimples. You just have to massage the banana peel on your face for just a few minutes a day. Visible results can be seen in two weeks. Banana peels can also help to reduce wrinkles. I’ve eaten a couple of bananas a day for the last century and look only half my age! 555

Bananas are in Our DNA

Fun fact; did you know we humans share 60% of our DNA with the banana plant? I even have one friend who is completely bananas! You know who you are!

Can You Eat Banana Peels?

Don’t throw your away your banana peels. In many parts of the world the peel is eaten. Just remember to wash it first.

If you don’t fancy eating your peels, add them to your compost pile or drop them directly at the base of your plants to improve soil fertility.

So bananas are pretty awesome. They come in their own packaging (that you can eat), are packed full of potassium and are a great addition to your compost. I don’t own a pair of shoes but I’m told they are also good to for polish your footwear. I wonder if they work on flip-flops?

FAQ

What is the origin of the Praying Hands Banana?

The cultivar known as Praying Hands Banana (scientific name often given as Musa × paradisiaca ‘Praying Hands’, or simply Musa ‘Praying Hands’) comes from the Musaceae family. It is a hybrid banana (often ABB genome, derived from Musa acuminata × Musa balbisiana) grown in warm tropical regions. The cultivar gets its name from the distinctive fruit clusters, where adjacent “hands” of bananas appear fused together – like two hands held in prayer.

Where can I buy a Praying Hands Banana plant (or fruit)?

Because it is a speciality banana cultivar, finding Praying Hands Bananas may require searching specialist nurseries or tropical-fruit sellers. For the UK, Europe or similar climates, look for growers who ship tropical plants (and check for import regulations). If you’re after fruit, you might find it via exotic-fruit markets in regions where the plant grows or via online rare-fruit retailers (noting shipping and customs).

What are the health benefits of Praying Hands Banana?

Like many banana varieties, Praying Hands Bananas offer nutritional benefits: it’s low in fat, provides carbohydrates and dietary fibre, and contains potassium – all typical of bananas. The flavour is delicious – with hints of vanilla and marshmallow – making it a tasty addition to the diet. Because the cultivar is relatively rare, specific nutritional analyses are limited. But you can expect many of the general banana benefits (potassium, fibre, energy) along with the novelty and flavour advantage.

Is there a Wikipedia page for the Praying Hands Banana?

There is no dedicated Wikipedia page strictly for ‘Praying Hands Banana’, but the cultivar is included under broader banana cultivar listings and hybrid banana taxonomy on Wikipedia. For example, the page for Musa × paradisiaca covers hybrid banana cultivars. For detailed cultivar-specific information you may need to refer to specialist banana-cultivar databases or blog resources.

Can you grow Praying Hands Banana from seeds?

In practice, no – at least not easily. Praying Hands Bananas are a cultivated hybrid, and most edible banana cultivars are propagated via suckers/pups rather than true botanical seed. For best results, seek a healthy pup or plantlet from a trusted tropical-plant nursery.

What is the scientific name and what growing zone is suitable for Praying Hands Bananas?

The scientific/botanical identification: The cultivar is often listed as Musa ‘Praying Hands’ or as Musa × paradisiaca ‘Praying Hands’, indicating the hybrid origin (M. acuminata × M. balbisiana). As for growing zones, it is suited to USDA zones 9a-11 in outdoor situations (in the US context) which translates to very warm, frost-free climates. In cooler climates like the UK, it would be better grown in a large container and kept under protection (such as a greenhouse or indoors) during cold periods. Care needs include rich, well-draining soil, even moisture, and partial to full sun.

Have you eaten praying hand bananas? Let us know in the comments below.

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Praying Hands Bananas