Most of us are familiar with the ubiquitous bright yellow bananas known as the Cavendish bananas. However, you may not know of the diverse banana species found right here in Singapore!

Read on to find out about these wild, exotic bananas — they are all edible, too!

Please do not cut, collect or remove anything from our green spaces. Let our beautiful flora and fauna thrive in their natural habitats. Learn more about some simple do’s and don’ts here before visiting our green spaces.

 

Velvet Pink Banana

The Velvet Pink Banana (Musa velutina) is named for its reddish-pink fruits covered by velvety hairs. Did you know that is one of the few banana species that can bear fruit while placed indoors? It is also suitable for small gardens and containers.

This sweet-tasting banana is to be eaten within one day of its skin splitting open. The fruits have many large black seeds that should be removed before eating.

 

Blood Banana

Photo credit: Low Wei Teng

The Blood Banana (Musa acuminata var. sumatrana) has large leaves covered in random red blotches, which may have given rise to its name. The undersides of the leaves are wine-red as well. 

This relatively fast-growing ornamental banana is best grown in sheltered locations. This is because full sun can cause the attractive wine-red blotches to fade away. 

 

Pisang Raja Udang Merah

Photo credit: Low Wei Teng

The fruits of the Pisang Raja Udang Merah (Musa 'Raja Udang Merah') might have gotten its name for its resemblance to red prawns, or udang merah in Malay, due to its reddish coloured skin! 

Apart from their unique colour, the fruits contain more beta carotene and vitamin C compared to the common yellow bananas that we are familiar with. Our bodies convert beta carotene into vitamin A, which is an important vitamin for eye health. 

 

Thousand Fingers Banana

Photo credit: Jessica Teo

As the name suggests, the Thousand Fingers Banana (Musa ‘Thousand Fingers’), also known as Pisang Seribu in Malay, is said to bear up to 1,000 ‘fingers’ or individual fruits! Its inflorescence can grow up to 3 m long and might need mechanical support to help the plant cope with the enormous weight. 

Once ripe, the many ‘fingers’ or fruits are attractive food to other animals such as birds, squirrels, or bats. It should be fertilised regularly to ensure that it can continue to flower and bear fruit. 

 

Pisang Raja