Musa ingens

This magnificent wild species grows to a staggering 18 metres in height and literally towers over parts of the surrounding Nothofagus forest. This is the largest herb in the world.

Musa ingens can be found in various parts of the Eastern and Western Highlands including Kassam Pass, Aiyura, Bundi Kara, Mt Piora, the Kybor range, Kamang, Minj Valley and above the Tsau River north of Banz. It grows in the cool misty rainforests at these locations at altitudes of 1000 to 2100 metres above sea level. It will not survive at much lower altitudes because it is completely intolerant of the continuous high temperatures experienced in the lowlands.