M. sikkimensis is an upright single-stemed perennial with large, yellow-green, thick leaves that may have redish markings. The Musa genus, a family of bananas and plantains, includes the Musa sikkimenis, a somewhat rare plant also known as the Darjeeling banana or Sikkim banana. Originally from the forests of the northeastern Himalayas, the Musa sikkimensis grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9. Although the fruit of this tree isn't the most pleasing to the palate, the thick trunks and deep red leaf backs of the Musa sikkimensis add a striking tropical element to the landscape.
