The description, distribution and habitat of wild banana species in northern Viet Nam

Abstract Northern Viet Nam displays a remarkable diversity of wild bananas ( Musa L.) , including the species from which majority cultivated derive. The taxonomy and exact distribution these are however not well known, limiting their conservation use. In present study, we describe morphology, ecology, phytogeography 6 that were collected between 2016 2019 in northern Nam: acuminata Colla, M. balbisiana itinerans Cheesman, haekkinenii N.S.Ly & Haev, lutea R.V.Valmayor, L.D.Danh Hakkinen paracoccinea A.Z.Liu D.Z.Li:. Of these, was with most widespread range, occurring as large mats various habitats 136 1331 m, whereas found 989 m 108 981 m. Furthermore, lutea, distributed open areas low competition for light, 80 800 These latter three have potential to become ornamental plants, being characterized by bright colourful upright inflorescences. data presented here will help providing valuable contribution use Nam.