Scientific Discovery
- A 4.2-metre-long infructescence (fruit bunch) was recorded — longest ever among all banana species globally.
- Found in a wild banana species, Musa indandamanensis, endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI).
- Discovery published in the international journal Botany Letters in early 2024.
Relevance : GS 1(Geography) ,GS 3(Environment)
Botanical Significance
- Musa indandamanensis was first reported in 2012 from Little Andaman near Krishna Nala Reserve Forest.
- First formally documented in a scientific journal in 2014.
- Earlier specimens had infructescence lengths of ~3 metres; now exceeds 4 metres.
Comparative Data
- Cultivated banana species usually have infructescences of only ~1 metre.
- The tree height remains consistent (~11 metres), but:
- Girth in Campbell Bay specimens: ~110 cm
- Earlier Little Andaman specimens: <100 cm
Geographic Context
- Recent specimen recorded in Campbell Bay, Nicobar group.
- Reflects intraspecies variation in girth and infructescence length within ANI ecosystems.
Ex-situ Conservation Efforts
- Species is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’.
- Saplings of Musa indandamanensis introduced in:
- Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
- Botanical Garden, ANI Regional Centre
- Central Regional Centre, Prayagraj
Specimen Display
- A 4.2-metre specimen is on display at the Indian Museum, Kolkata (BSI Industrial Section).
- Another large specimen exhibited in the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre Museum.
Scientific and Agricultural Relevance
- Musa indandamanensis is a valuable genetic resource.
- Potential for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant banana varieties through plant breeding.
