Dwarf Banana Sucker

Sucker

A sucker is a plant growth that develops from the rootstock of a plant that has undergone grafting.

• A sucker grows from the base of the root of the plant at a certain distance away from the plant.
• This undesirable part of the plant should be removed to prevent it from sucking away the plant’s energy.
• Rooted suckers can be dug up and planted elsewhere.

Plants that produce suckers

• Blackberries and raspberries boast an impressive list of about 250 species, all of which reproduce via suckers.
• Other types of fruit that produce root suckers are apple trees, blueberries, cherry trees, plantain, plums, pears, pineapple, and banana.
• In addition, several species of trees such as locust (Robinia) and elms (Ulmus) have aggressive roots that can spread via suckers.
• Other trees that reproduce using root suckers are Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), cottonwood poplar (Populus sp.), western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum).

Banana suckers

• Both wild species of bananas and cultivated bananas produce suckers.
• The clump of plants formed by the parent plant and its suckers is commonly called a mat. The botanical term for a mat is genet, and for a sucker is ramet.
• Banana plants (Musa spp.), with sweet, nutritious fruit and attractive foliage, have many uses in the kitchen and home landscape.
• Suckers come in three different types, but only sword suckers, or those with a well-developed root system, grow into thriving banana plants.
• Maturity generally ranges from 15 to 24 months.