Abstract

Another new variety of Musa itinerans Cheesman in Taiwan is described. The morphological characteristics of the variety are otherwise similar to those of var. formosana (Warb. ex Schum.) Häkkinen & C.-L.Yeh. The principal distinction is based on the length and bending of inflorescence, and the compactness of fruit hands. The inflorescence rachis of the new variety is longer than the other two varieties, and first upwardly slanting, then curving downwards, finally pendent in the male flower regions. The fruit hands grow very compactly and apex of fruit remains distinguished floral relicts. These characteristics are stable at their habitat and Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) repository over study periods. This population is herein segregated as the new variety, M. itinerans var. chiumei H.-L. Chiu, C.-T. Shii & T.-Y.A. Yang. Photos for the varietal taxon as well as the key to all variation of Musa itinerans and Taiwanese wild bananas are provided.

Keyword: IUCN Red List, Musa itinerans var. chiumei; Native banana; Taiwan.